Little Rock, Ark. (July 8, 2016) - Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, CHI St. Vincent, and new Habitat for Humanity homeowner Monique Reneau gathered for a traditional home dedication ceremony on Friday, July 8. Fully sponsored by CHI St. Vincent, construction on the home began in October 2015 and was completed in June of 2016. Ms. Reneau and her sons participated in the celebration, cutting the ribbon for the home and thanking donors and volunteers for their help. Habitat CEO Bill Plunkett led the ceremony and presented Ms. Reneau with a Bible.

“Ms. Reneau is a fantastic mom and is going to be a good neighbor for the folks around here,” said Plunkett. “Thanks to CHI St. Vincent, this family is now in a safe, stable home. CHI St. Vincent has been a real blessing to us through their financial support and their volunteers.” Other volunteer groups helping on the build included ProSource Flooring, Rotoract, the US Air Force, and Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas’s Over the Hill Gang.

Ms. Reneau applied to be a Habitat homeowner and found that she met all of the requirements to participate in the program. Applicants are qualified based on demonstrated need of adequate housing, ability to repay the zero-percent interest loan, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity by investing 300 hours of sweat equity in their home and the homes of others.

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas empowers local residents in need thanks to donations by individuals, businesses, and faith-based organizations in Central Arkansas, as well as thousands of local volunteers every year. CHI St. Vincent’s full house sponsorship marks the first collaboration between the two organizations.

“CHI St. Vincent is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas as it works to provide decent and affordable housing to low-income individuals in our community," said Polly Davenport, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary President. "Our heritage and mission compels us to partner with other faith-based organizations to address the root causes of ill health, and we know decent and affordable housing is critical to the health of our community. We are happy to support this very worthy cause.”

Once construction ended, Ms. Reneau completed the purchase of her home by securing the hallmark of  the Habitat for Humanity program, a zero-percent interest loan. Reneau is an active member of Central Church of Christ in downtown Little Rock, and plans to host small worship groups in her home, as well as youth activities. Any individuals or groups looking to become involved with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas are encouraged to visit www.habitatcentralar.org.