Kootenai Habitat for Humanity gets grant; breaks ground on new home

It's an exciting time for Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity and the recipient of their most recent home building project.

A few weeks ago, Missy Guinard and her kids, Jordan and Chloe Reid, turned the first shovelful of dirt on a small chunk of land on Riverside Avenue in Troy where their home will be built.

It was an emotional time for Missy as she expressed her thanks to the many volunteers, neighbors and local businesses that will help make a home a reality for her and her family.

"We're so thankful for this," Guinard said. "I am speechless."

Habitat for Humanity Board President Eric Dickinson said this will be the 15th home built in the area and the fourth in Troy.

"And our new owners will be part of the crew working to build this home," Dickinson said. "There is a fair amount of sweat equity each family puts into their homes."

The loan to help pay for the cost of the home is 0%, making it much more affordable. The hope is to have the foundation poured this month.

Dickinson said volunteers will come from all over to help with the work.

"We get RVers who love to come for a few weeks and help build," Dickinson said. "There will be six different groups this summer."

He said the hope is to have the home finished in September.

Part of the celebration was a prayer for all those involved in the project, scripture reading (Matthew 7:24-29) and a hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth."

Kootenai Habitat for Humanity also recently learned it received a significant grant.

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) Good Deeds Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by ALTA, the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, announced they have awarded $6,000 to Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity in Libby.

Stephanie Dill, Escrow Officer at Flying S Title and Escrow of Montana, Inc. in Libby, nominated the nonprofit to receive the grant.

Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity is one of 24 nonprofit organizations across the United States that received a grant this month from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation.

The Foundation announced the recipients of this year's first round of biannual grants during ALTA SPRINGBOARD, ALTA's annual business strategies event.

"When the Foundation Board members notify our recipients of their grant status, we often are met with tears," said Foundation Board Chair Mary O'Donnell, president and CEO of Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. and past president of ALTA. "Foundation grants can make an enormous difference for these small, charitable organizations. Many community nonprofits are operating on a shoestring and a lot of times a Foundation grant is funding an entire annual budget. It is so inspiring to see local communities develop and grow because of the Foundation's work."

"In less than three years since the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation was started, we have provided $712,000 in grants to 121 community nonprofits in 38 states—plus the District of Columbia—across the country," said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb. "Because of the overwhelming support of ALTA members, the Foundation is able to grow its meaningful work with affordable housing-related organizations and make an impact in so many communities."

"We are honored to be the recipient of this grant from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation," said Eric Dickinson, President of Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity. "Our organization will use this grant to help build and finance affordable housing for low-income families in Lincoln County, Montana."

The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation was launched in 2020 to bolster the charitable efforts of ALTA members. Land title insurance professionals can apply for grants on behalf of recognized 501(c)(3) organizations that they assist financially or through volunteer efforts.

Preference is given to housing-related charities. The inaugural round of grants was announced in March 2021.