A Bristol Borough property that was once an eyesore is now a new home for a family of tree thanks to Habitat for Humanity Bucks County.

As an early Christmas gift, Elaine and her family (two children) moved into their new home on Spruce Street in Bristol Borough and were welcomed to the borough in celebratory fashion as local officials came out to celebrate the home dedication.

“Every Habitat home dedication is special, but being able to partner with Elaine and the local faith community, bringing her family home for the holidays, is an extra blessing,” said Florence Kawoczka, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.

The new home for three was Built by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County in partnership with Thrivent, a member-owned financial services organization, and local faith community members.

Elaine, graduated from the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s self-sufficiency program. She also took part in Habitat for Humanity’s financial-empowerment program and then applied for homeownership and the waiting began.

Gary Pruden, president of the Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County’s board of directors, said a family being able to buy a new home often changes their lives for the better.

Kawoczka said the rising prices of construction material cost the nonprofit $57,000 more than projected, but donors came together to help cover the price tag. Adding A total of 90 volunteers spent about 1,050 hours building the new home on the site of what just a year ago an unsafe property.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick congratulated the family presenting them with a flag that flew over the House of Representatives in their honor, saying he hopes the new neighbors to Bristol will take part in the number of community events the borough is known to offer families.

Bristol Borough Council member-elect Maria Figueroa, who lives only blocks away from the site said she was able  to obtain started her first home through a similar program years ago. She hailed Habitat for Humanity Bucks County  for lifting families to help move into new homes.

Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, whose family lived on Buckley Street  said “This is definitely part of the Christmas spirit and exhibiting what the season really should be about,”

“It is an opportunity for us to put deeds to our faith and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. It’s our chance to thank God,” said John Roesinger, of Thrivent.

“There’s just been so much kindness and generosity that I’ve seen through this whole process. All the wonderful people I’ve met. All the wonderful people that I did not get to meet that donated time or money, or of themselves in some other way. Thank you so much. It’s been a phenomenal experience for us,” said new homeowner, Elaine.

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