Habitat for Humanity-Gila Region will dedicate its first ‘green' home in Grant County, on Saturday, April 7, at noon, followed by an Open House until 4 pm.   The home is located at 1414 East Pine Street in Silver City, just down the street from Magistrate Court. Habitat Gila Region built the home in partnership with Carmen Ortiz and family, who will move into the home after the Dedication.

The Open House will educate the public on the LEED Certified house features, which make the home healthy, sustainable, and economical. For example, the house is sited for passive solar gain, capturing the sun's warmth in winter. Recycled cardboard wet-blown cellulose insulation provides further shield against heat and cold. Low VOC  paint, caulking, and other materials are used throughout, as well as energy-saving lighting and water-conserving fixtures. Solar panels for the home were donated by Affordable Solar and an outdoor water catchment system by Stream Dynamics, Town and Country Garden Club, and Evergreen Garden Club. The home is LEED (Leadership In Energy Efficient Design) Certified, and built to Energy Star and Build Green New Mexico standards.  

The Ortiz family provided over 300 hours of sweat equity labor to build the home, in partnership with more than 150 volunteers, including employees of Wells Fargo Bank, major sponsor of the entire project. Volunteers also represented the First Born Program, First Presbyterian Church, and the Grant County Realtors Association. Habitat received major assistance from Bigelow Construction, Foxworth-Galbraith, Gila Wood Products, and Wentz Electric. Lunches were provided by numerous private individuals, organizations and businesses.  

Habitat for Humanity's next project is in partnership with the Town of Silver City at the Vistas de Plata Affordable Workforce Housing Project on Brewer Hill. Habitat will take the lead in applying green principles to its homes in Vistas de Plata by using locally produced materials, applying sustainable building techniques, and training local people in green building construction.

For more information, pleases contact the Habitat affiliate office at 575/538-9540, or email hfhgilaregion@zianet.com.