Staff Writer

Dorothy Spikner is moving into a new home ­ one built with the hands of caring volunteers.

Spikner, her three daughters, son and grandson are the recipients of the newest Habitat for Humanity house built in Pike County.

The four-bedroom, two-bath house located on County Road 59 is a dream come true for Spikner.

"It means a lot to me," she said after the dedication ceremony on Sunday. "This means my family will have a better place to live."

Spikner said it’s good to know there are "a lot of great people in this world" who will spend hours building a home for someone else.

"These people work hand-in-hand to help people in need, giving up their weekends and time," she said.

During the opening prayer, "James "Whitey" Whitman asked God to "let us reach out and help those in need."

He also asked that the Spikner family be blessed in their new home.

John Brannon, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Troy, said "we all come from different walks and faiths, but can agree on one thing ­ a hammer."

During the blessing of the home, Brannon quoted a Psalmist, "unless the Lord fills the house, those who build it live in vain…May all those in this house grow in grace."

Spikner’s new home is the fourth Habitat for Humanity house built in Pike County.

During the dedication ceremony, Spikner was presented a Bible, which she put on the top shelf of her empty bedroom closet ­ waiting for the minute she can read in her home once she has moved.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

For more information about Troy-Pike Habitat, contact Rhae Swisher, president, at P.O. Box 1280, Troy, 36081 or 566-5704.