The number "13" is not always unlucky.

Saturday, May 13, 2000

The number "13" is not always unlucky.

For instance, the Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 13th house project Saturday morning in Austin.

That means, 13 is a lucky number for Debbie Amdahl and her son, Tim, 11.

The mother and son were chosen to receive the latest home built by the Habitat affiliate’s volunteers.

"I’m excited," said Amdahl. "We’ll be moving from a duplex into a new home. It’s great."

The dedication ceremonies attracted a large group of Habitat volunteers and supporters to a lot at 2011 Oakland Ave. East.

Shari Mason, intern pastor at Grace Lutheran Church of Austin, officiated at the dedication ceremonies.

Mason quoted from Proverbs 24:3-4: "Through wisdom is a house built and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

Then Habitat volunteers and supporters joined Mason and the mother and son in scattering "gifts of the earth" dirt over the building site.

According to Keith Barnes, site supervisor, construction will begin next week on the new three-bedroom rambler-style home.

"The floor plan is the same as the Target home project and the St. Olaf Lutheran Church project," Barnes said.

A tentative completion date is expected late this summer or early fall.

Like all other Habitat projects, the new homeowner, Amdahl, will be required to contribute "sweat equity" to the project.

Wayne T. Hanson, president of the affiliate’s board of directors, said the goal he set of 100 new homes in Freeborn and Mower counties is still attainable.

"We have a way to go, but we’ll get there one house at a time," he said.

Eight Habitat homes have been built in Mower County (seven in Austin and one in Adams) and five others in Freeborn County. The newest Freeborn County project got under way with dedication ceremonies three weeks ago in Albert Lea.

Many contractors and other businesses will once again donate materials for the project.

The lot has been vacant since a house fire destroyed a small home there three years ago.

Volunteers are welcome to join the Habitat crew this spring and summer. For more information about assisting, call 433-1349.