Further, neither religion nor race is a factor in choosing families to receive Habitat houses. HFH has built more than 50,000 houses throughout the world since its inception in the 1970s, distinguishing the non-profit organization as the largest single builder in the country. The group bridges the gaps between people living in undesirable situations with those who have the means and ability to help them. Volunteers have helped several families with needed renovations and have built houses for eight families in such towns as Wells, Kennebunkport, Sanford, Hollis and Biddeford. The county's ninth Habitat house is being completed this month in West Kennebunk, and the Lincoln's say the next project is slated for a family in Eliot, Maine.
Land is the first objective and presently there are no feasible opportunities.
When the York County affiliate was just beginning in 1985, the Lincoln's embarked on a 15,000 mile sailing excursion that, ironically, steered them toward Habitat. David and Jean took a year off from work, purchased a 38-foot boat and sailed from Seattle, Washington, through the Panama Canal and up to Halifax, Nova Scotia. I find Habitat very rewarding because it's an easy way to make a difference in the lives of families that work hard. Working with HFH volunteers makes a statement about who they are in the community and gives me a sense of accomplishment. David, who retired in 1991 after working 35 years for Kimberly-Clark, says he never had the chance to involve himself in community service work.