Bridgewater Va. – According to Executive Director of Central Valley Habitat for Humanity David Wenger, the pandemic has caused trials and tribulations for his organization.

Wenger explains how the pandemic has impacted some of their annual events that help to promote their organization. 

“We had a house in Dayton, and the Bridgewater Methodist Church was sponsoring it. We were going to have an event where all of our partner groups and the church came out to frame the house, but then the pandemic happened and unfortunately we had to call and say we’re not going to be able to frame it,” said Wegner. 

Central Valley Habitat had to make adjustments and create their own restrictions so they could continue to build homes while keeping everyone safe.

“We had to come up with our own restrictions like how many people can be in the house working, washing hands, wearing a mask and we hooked up a hose to the house so everyone can wash their hands,” said Wegner.

The organization has also faced some challenges in areas they heavily rely on to get families in affordable homes.

“We have not been able to screen families like we used to. We have to break it up because of the restrictions, which makes the application process longer and we cannot roll through it like we normally do,” said Wegner.

Despite the pandemic, Central Valley Habitat has still been able to house families and continue working to house more families. 

“We have placed six families since the pandemic, which is remarkable and quite frankly a miracle. We have the potential to house two more,” said Wegner.

Central Valley Habitat has faced challenges, but the organization sees light at the end of the tunnel and is striving to continue achieving their mission.

“We want to build six homes a year, and we want to be sustainable, we have hope and we are open to all,” said Wegner.