POPE COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) - Habitat For Humanity builds home all across the country, including here in Arkansas. And this summer, a Pope County family will get the keys to the first Habitat home there.
We've done lots of stories in the past about Habitat For Humanity work around Central Arkansas but now Pope County is getting in on the action. The new chapter's getting off to a good start with a lot of community interest; upwards of 200 people wanting to help build homes. And they'll get their turn this summer, helping Nichole Ledford and her four kids.
The dominos go up and down. But CJ, Jaiden, Zach and Chase march on full of focus and more happiness these days.
"I was excited because I know I was going to get a new bedroom and everything like that," Jaiden Bragg said.
"I think this is a quiet street, so I ride a bike, so I thought I could go ride down the road by myself," Zach Chisum said.
Their mom, Nichole Ledford, came upon a Habitat for Humanity application by chance a few months ago. Now she's the county chapter's first recipient.
"It's probably the best thing that could have happened for my family," Ledford said.
It's a family that's seen its share of losses. A fire destroyed their previous home and they lost their father just a few months before.
"I didn't feel that it could go any lower from that point, it had to go up from there so," Ledford said.
"Certainly going up now? THV's Max Seigle asks.
"Definitely, yes," Ledford replied.
"She's a deserving mom and has great kids, you could see how well they were behaved," Lori Grace said.
Lori Grace leads the new Pope County Habitat Chapter. She wanted to give back her hometown after mission trips in Mexico.
"You know I traveled so far away to go help other people, why couldn't I help here," Grace said.
She's not alone in this new chapter. Some 50 people are already serving on committees and there's lots more ready to build the new home. It's set for a southcentral Russellville neighborhood, with gratitude starting from the youngest of this bunch.
"Thanks for the new house," Chase said.
This family's been living in a mobile home since the fire back in 2008. They all say it's cramped and they're looking forward to more space.
Habitat chapter leaders plan to close on the land for the home next month, break ground in July and move everyone in by September.
This new chapter plans on building one a house a year. If you'd like to get involved, call 479-280-3728 or email visit the chapter's website.
The chapter is also holding a Golf fundraiser on May 6th at 2 p.m. It's at the Chamberlyne County Club in Danville. They're still looking for both sponsors and players.