FORT COLLINS, Colo. (May 11, 2016) – As the availability of affordable housing continues to be in demand, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is making strides in building the eighth of 10 new homes in Avondale Cottages in the Ridgewood Hills neighborhood. This newest home is being built in partnership with the Bhatti family and is expected to be ready this winter. This home will be sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and LifePointe Church.
“The Homeward Bound Concert reflects the need we all have for shelter and security in an earthly home,” said Marvin Crawford, Director of Music and the Arts at First Presbyterian Church. “The Sanctuary Choir and instrumentalists of First Presbyterian Church are thrilled to offer this benefit concert in support of Habitat for Humanity and their efforts to help deserving families build a secure and safe home. At the same time, we look forward to the opportunity to share about the security and sanctuary of our heavenly home.”
First Presbyterian Church is excited to present the Colorado premiere of Requiem, by nationally acclaimed composer and pianist Mark Hayes at a spring concert, “Homeward Bound: the Music of Heaven,” Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church located at 531 S. College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524. The glorious concert will feature the FPC Sanctuary Choir, Festival Chorus, and Chamber Orchestra, as well as Schyler Vargas, baritone. The program will also include beloved spirituals by Alice Parker, William Dawson, Joel Raney, and Lloyd Larson. Admission is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will benefit Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity. Childcare will be provided by reservation. To reserve childcare or for more information visit FirstPresFC.org.
“We have faith in God and He provided a better job,” said the Bhatti family. “Next, we wanted to have a house for our children where they can grow and play with freedom. We came to know about Habitat for Humanity through an advertisement and we thought it is the answer to our prayers.”
“We want to rally our congregation around one local issue this year and decided to focus on housing families. Supporting the Bhatti family as they work to build and buy their home gives a chance for everyone in our congregation to be involved, whether it’s volunteering on the construction site, preparing meals, or helping raise funds.” Reverend Cindy Frost of First Presbyterian Church.
The new home is a collaboration between the Bhatti family, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, First Presbyterian Church and LifePointe Church. The homebuyers will contribute over 500 hours to help build their home. They will also purchase their home and repay a zero interest mortgage, illustrating Habitat for Humanity’s objective to give families a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.”
To learn more about Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity and other local volunteer opportunities, visit www.FortCollinsHabitat.org.
About First Presbyterian Church
Founded in 1872, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins has historically been a hands-on mosaic of God’s love, serving people who find themselves at crossroads and transitions. Physically located in a transitional corridor between the CSU campus and historic old town, First Pres is a long-standing sanctuary for many people experiencing life change – here in Fort Collins and around the world. www.FirstPresFC.org
About Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the Fort Collins area and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. www.FortCollinsHabitat.org. Also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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