29-04-2025
Habitat for Humanity of Cass County breaks ground on community build
Gathering in an empty lot covered with dirt and patches of grass, a family envisioned life in a new neighborhood.
Habitat for Humanity of Cass County broke ground Saturday for its community build home. Construction should be wrapped up by autumn.
The ceremony started off with some prayers.
'I thank you, God, for the location. I thank you for the peace that already rests on this property,' Benjamin Grant, vice president of the local Habitat for Humanity board, said with his head bowed. 'Lord, I just feel … this beautiful presence here, lord, of just tranquility.'
He went on to thank the heavens for adding the family that will move into the home — Alaina Small, James Seibert and their children — to the neighborhood before asking board secretary Reba Griffith to read scripture. She chose a few verses from Psalm 91, which talks about the protection of those who abide by scripture.
Seibert and Small had been introduced to the community earlier in the week during a banquet by Habitat for Humanity.
During an interview with the Pharos-Tribune at the banquet, Seibert explained he proposed to Small on Christmas. She had expected the proposal, but was surprised by her application later being accepted by Habitat for Humanity.
'It's been a great experience partnering with Habitat,' Small said at the banquet. 'I'm ready to build. I've always wanted to build my own home and now I'm getting to do that.'
Habitat for Humanity of Cass County's executive director, Scott Jewell, said during the banquet the organization is already looking for more families to help. The local group, which started building houses again last year after briefly disbanding in 2020, hopes to eventually build four to six houses a year.
Jewell and other leaders with the organization asked for the community's help to accomplish those goals.
So far, Habitat for Humanity of Cass County has raised roughly 70% of the $100,000 goal for its current community build. Anyone who donates will get a 50% state tax credit.
Other than monetary donations, the organization is looking for volunteers. They don't have to be skilled laborers to help, Jewell noted. He invited anyone interested in helping to reach out to info@
In total, six people led prayers hoping to bless the land and new family.
Among them was pastor Randy Griffith.
'I've seen people's lives change. I've seen families that work that society gave up on, and their lives changed now,' Griffith said. He later added, 'It started out by Habitat being one that was used as a vessel by God to be able to reach into people's lives.'
Later, donning reflective vests and hard hats, the couple took turns pushing a shovel into the ground and pulled up fresh soil. Jewell and Mark Snyder, board president of the local Habitat for Humanity, followed suit.
They all posed for photos afterward. Several ate cookies under a Habitat-branded tent.
Standing with two of their children, Small and Seibert reflected on what the ceremony meant to them.
For Small, it marked a new beginning.
Looking toward the dog park that sat caddy corner to the lot, Seibert said the home would be great for the kids. The family has three dogs: a husky, beagle and Chihuahua.
'I'm so excited,' Small said, 'It's just a lot of feelings.'
'It's just a new beginning with the family,' Seibert added.
