Bonners Ferry Family Gets 'Dream Come True' Home

For Charlene Lyle, the thought of owning a home in rural north Idaho as a single mother with three young children was only a pipedream that happened to other people on TV reality shows.

But thanks to Boundary County's Habitat for Humanity, dreams like Lyle's are coming true.

Ringed by the Purcell Mountains on five acres with a sweeping view of the Kootenai River, Lyle's nearly-completed 1,200-square foot home in Paradise Valley is almost the stuff of dreams.

But it's as real as it gets for the 32-year-old Boundary Community Hospital employee raising two daughters and a son ranging from 7 to 12 years of age.

"She was elated and thrilled when she learned she was chosen as the recipient of a new home from 17 applicants," said Habitat for Humanity board member Sherrie Hendricks. "It's like a dream come true."

When completed in early July, Lyle's home will be the seventh built by the nonprofit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since its inception in Boundary County 15 years ago.

It is currently in the process of taking applications for its eighth home on Birch Street.

Typically, Habitat for Humanity homes are 1,100 to 1,200 square-foot wood-framed structures that take about 18 months to complete.

But Greg Garrison, vice-president of Boundary County's 14-member Habitat board, said Lyle's four-bedroom home that will cost $60,000 will be finished in six months.

"We didn't anticipate that it would go up this quickly, but her family became very hands-on involved with the entire process," he said. "Her parents donated the property and her father has been the on-site construction coordinator from day one."

The foundation was poured last fall and framing was started this spring. Composite roofing has already been installed, and vinyl siding is expected to go up in June. Garrison said major contributions were made by students from Boulder Creek Academy's shop class along with volunteer carpenters, electricians, plumbers and one roofer.

Lyle will have a 15-year, interest-free mortgage that includes property tax and homeowner's insurance.

"We try to shoot for a 15-year mortgage because we want people to be able to own their houses as soon as possible," said Garrison. "The biggest concern facing Habitat for Humanity is the cost of property. You could once purchase a lot for $5,000. Now it's up to $20,000."

Funding for construction comes from grants - Wells Fargo Bank provided a $17,500 grant last year - along with raffles, bowl-a-thons and other fundraisers.

"We want to provide qualified families who need homes but can't afford them an opportunity to have a piece of the American dream," said Garrison.

Interviews are currently being conducted for the Habitat for Humanity home on Birch Street. To receive an application or more information, call Greg Garrison at 267-5677.

Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 250,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with affordable shelter. Through volunteer labor and donations, Habitat builds houses with the help of partner families. Homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.