COVID-19 causing construction delay for local Habitat projects

TEXARKANA, Texas - While many people are still being encouraged to take shelter in their own homes as a safety precaution against catching the coronavirus, the outbreak is actually preventing some from getting the shelter they need.

Like it has for so many nonprofit agencies, COVID-19 has efforts by the local Habitat For Humanity to finish two home construction projects - one started back in November in Texarkana, Texas, the other in Redwater, Texas, that began back in February.

While the project at the intersection of Norris Cooley Drive and Atlanta Street, has much of its exterior construction completed, Habitat for Humanity-Texarkana Executive Director Mary Wormington said recently that work on the interior is experiencing a delay, largely because of the economic slowdown caused by the virus.

As for the project in Redwater, which had it groundbreaking on Feb.23, progress beyond its foundation is also at a standstill, in part because the virus delayed volunteer participation by the Texas Court No.#344 of the Catholic Daughters of Americas.

"We've been hearing a lot about people's need to 'take shelter in place' and yet the virus itself is preventing us from building and finishing shelter for the people who may need it the most," Wormington said.

To volunteer for construction work, call 903-832-1746 for more information.

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