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Clarice Benson and local Habitat for Humanity chapter chairman Dale Pancake. (PHOTOS PROVIDED)

Clarice Benson.

Dale Pancake and Andalusia Health CEO Vickie Demers.

If Clarice Benson looks extra happy in this photograph, it’s because she spent Friday on site of the Habitat for Humanity build of a brand-new house for her and her family.

Benson’s Habitat journey began about a year ago, she said, when someone placed a Habitat flyer announcing a meeting for potential families on the door of her workplace, Head Start.

“One of my co-workers pointed it out to Benson, and said, ‘Make sure you go.’ ”

Benson said she thought she’d probably never be chosen for a home, but Habitat volunteers disagreed.

“From the time we first met her, we knew she was a great candidate,” board member Nancy Robbins said.

“It was a surprise, but it’s a blessing,” Benson said.

Benson, who has worked with Head Start for nine years, said she’ll be moving into the house with her son, Charlie, 17, and daughter, Dianna, 20. She’s especially thankful for the home because Dianna has special needs.

“She’s fallen down the steps where we live now,” Benson said.

While Habitat for Humanity of Covington County builds basic homes, some modifications were made with Dianna in mind, local chapter chairman Dale Pancake recently told board members.

After the initial selection, like all Habitat housing recipients, Benson had to complete a financial literacy test, prove that she could cover a modest mortgage, and put 300 hours of sweat equity into Habitat projects. Her family, especially her brother and brother-in-law, have been helping her with the hours goal by keeping to grass cut on property Habitat owns for future builds. Her Head Start co-workers, and her daughter’s teacher also plan to spend time helping her meet that goal.

Wyatt Sasser Construction is leading the project for Habitat, and members of the LBW Baseball team were on hand to help with the heavy lifting on Friday. LBW instructor Andrew Meadows, who is leading a new construction program at LBW, also was on hand. His students will use the project as a lab as the construction process continues.

As Benson watched volunteers began to frame of the house that will become a home, her smile was large and sincere.

“I love it,” she said.

The Habitat for Humanity of Covington County will continue work on the Benson home at 421 Mock Street on Saturday. Work begins at 8 a.m., and lunch is provided. Pancake said with exterior walls and trusses in place, there is much more than individuals can help do.

For additional information, contact Pancake at 334-504-4287.

Those willing to provide financial support can send contributions to Covington County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1034, Andalusia, AL 36420.

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