ELLSWORTH – The late March snowstorm and icy temperatures didn’t stop St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity from holding a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, March 27 on Panther Drive in Ellsworth. Homeowner Taylor Johnson and her two children were present to see the beginning of their dream of home ownership take life.

“We are so thrilled to be in Ellsworth,” said Executive Director Kristie Smith. “We have been so welcomed in this village. And we have more plans in the works.”

She turned to speak to homeowner Taylor Johnson and her two children, who are partnering with Habitat to build the home.

“We are so excited to take this journey with you,” Smith said. “It’s kind of a little scary, like having a baby, but we’re with you.”

The home on Panther Drive is the first of three SCVHH is building this summer. The other two will be in Somerset and River Falls. These homes are symbols of hope, anticipation and the promise of a brighter future, Smith said.

“This is a home, not just a house,” Smith said. “It will provide solace from the storms of life.”

Village President Becky Beissel said she didn’t know much about SCVHH until one year ago.

“They have amazing plans to help us with our affordable housing needs,” Beissel said. “I am constantly hearing the cry for more affordable housing from larger employers, the school district, the county.”

She also praised Habitat’s Rock the Block initiative that took place in Ellsworth last fall, a neighborhood revitalization campaign that completed projects around the village for homeowners in need.

Habitat’s mission is to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Johnson, a healthcare worker, seemed overwhelmed by gratitude for the opportunity.

“I’m so glad that I applied,” she said. “I just feel so lucky.”

To learn more about SCVHH, visit scvhabitat.org