LAYTON -- As rain was pouring down, Friday, Tina Allen and her family of six children finally didn't have to worry about the hole in the floor or the poor heating system in their run-down mobile home. Those problems were becoming history as the family joined with members of Habitat for Humanity to dedicate what is probably the first such home built and opened in Davis County. "This means so much for us, to see the process that got us here," Allen said. "We are overwhelmed by the love of people who have never met or known us." "When we first met them (Allens), the floor was falling in -- there was a hole in the floor," said Lynn Kelley, Habitat for Humanities chapter president for Weber and Davis Counties.

"Tina and all five girls shared one bedroom. The furnace was scary and the plumbing was bad," she recalled.

"We could not have selected a more warm, grateful, deserving family" for the home, Kelley continued. "They have been very patient and long ago passed the 300 hours minimum required in sweat equity."

The Allens were selected from about 70 applicants, with Tina Allen recalling how the family had done everything possible to better their situation after going through a divorce.

But, even after earning a college degree and landing a teaching job, the old, two-bedroom mobile home was all the Allen family could afford.

"I had about given up hope" of getting a better housing situation, Allen said. "It was such a long shot" to be selected by Habitat for Humanities, she added.

"Housing is such a significant issue. So many people don't possess housing. We had put in every effort," Allen said.

Allen noted that Habitat for Humanity, since its founding in 1976, has built more than 100,000 homes across the world.

After the tsunami hit in Southeast Asia, the non-profit agency was on hand to build 10 by 10 houses so victims could get off the beach and have shelter.

Many volunteers were thanked for their many hours of effort and donation of materials.

The Weber State University LDS First Stake was a key sponsor of the home. Several Layton LDS wards as well as congregations from other denominations also helped.

Many businesses, from furniture stores to building supply firms, plumbers and others, donated time, effort and materials, as well.

"This was a walk of faith for all of us," Allen said. "There were so many religious and government agencies, people from all walks of life and beliefs, who came together."

"This is a great thing for everybody involved. It has taken us one-and-a-half years," said Habitat board member Tom Hart, who represents the Davis Chamber of Commerce.

"It's about building hope and building homes," Kelley, a Kaysville resident, said.

The organization is now looking at sponsoring one or two more homes, hoping to select a family and start construction before the end of the year.

For more information, visit the Web at www.weber davishabitat.org, call 475-9821 or write P.O. Box 1532, Layton, Utah 84041.



tbusselberg@davisclipper.com