Woodfin: “A Place Where Community Matters." Woodfin is living up to its slogan. Sherry and her husband Ken have lived on Pelzer Street for many years now with only an open field on one side of their property. Many people would be disappointed to learn that houses will soon be on that land. Not Sherry and Ken! They are thrilled that Habitat is building four single family homes and they are excited to have young children next door. They are so happy that in the very first week of construction they bestowed volunteers with cold, fresh fruit and the promise of home-baked cookies in the cooler months. Sherry and Ken epitomize the community spirit that prevails in Woodfin, as does just about everyone else Habitat staff and volunteers have had the pleasure to meet and work with on this project so far.

The story started when Jack Roberson called and offered to donate a parcel of land bordered by Elkwood Avenue and Pelzer Street. Loans and grants from Buncombe County helped with the development of the property. Woodfin-based company Silver-Line Plastics stepped up immediately to fully sponsor the first house. AvL Technologies came on board soon thereafter as a Full House Sponsor, and Thermo Fisher Scientific renewed their commitment to Habitat with a partial sponsorship of a Woodfin house.

And then, the Roberson family called us again. This time it was Jack’s son Russ Roberson, his wife Cynthia, and their children Alex and Emilee, who pledged to sponsor a Woodfin house in honor of Russ’s mother, Betty Roberson.

The community support for our new Woodfin neighborhood doesn’t end there. Woodfin Mayor Jerry Vehaun has been a vocal supporter and proponent of Asheville Area Habitat. The Woodfin Police and Fire Department have signed up to volunteer in August. Additionally, New Bridge Baptist Church is lending their support in various ways.

All these folks and many others came together on Friday, July 20^th to officially kick-off the Woodfin neighborhood by raising the first wall of the Malanka family’s future home. The rain held off, guests were enthusiastic and not one, but two walls were raised. It was a great start to what is truly a community build. To see photos from the event, please click here.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities?  Contact Betsy Warren at 210-9363 or email her.  Would you like to volunteer to help build?  Email Alison Taylor or call her at 210-9377.