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Macomb, IL – An evening of song raised the roof and raised money to improve housing in McDonough County. The concert benefited the county's Habitat for Humanity chapter.
The concert featured the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus. Two quartets - the Four Decades and Relative Harmony - also performed.
Chapter President of the Board Jerry Peabody says Habitat's goal is pretty straightforward.
"Our mission is to eliminate and reduce substandard housing, one family at a time," says Peabody.
He says the chapter is completing work on its 11th house, which is in Industry. Homes have also been built in Macomb, Bushnell, and Prairie City.
Peabody says the chapter is now seeking a person or family to partner with on the chapter's next home. A location has not been chosen. Peabody says the chapter owns a lot in Macomb but is willing to consider other locations in the county.
To qualify for a Habitat home, you must have a steady income, good credit, and be able to secure a mortgage locally. You must be able to afford a monthly mortgage payment of $550. Monthly maintenance payments are around $20.
Peabody says Habitat homeowners must also be willing to do some work.
"The partner family must commit to putting sweat equity into the home, I think 400 hours of sweat equity into building either their home or someone else's home," says Peabody.
The office phone number for the McDonough County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is (309) 837-1716.