Habitat for Humanity kicks off construction of 3 homes in Lebanon city

The Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity marked the launch of three home renovations in Lebanon city with an event May 15 at one of the homes.

The event was held at a home on Walnut Street. Other sites in the project are on North 5th and Buttonwood streets.

“All three of these Lebanon City homes will be purchased by families in our affordable homeownership program,” according to a press release from Amy Balestier, vice president of development and communications for the Habitat for Humanity.

“The three homes launched during this event are three of 10 homes we’ve built, or in the process of building, this year,” outreach manager Mike Andrelczyk said in an email, “and those 10 are part of the 30 homes we’ve built, are in the process of building or will build by the end of 2026, as part of our Open Doors campaign.”

Open Doors is a five-year, $4 million building campaign, the press release noted.

The event included a tour of the Walnut Street rehabilitation site, as well as a blessing from Pastor Robin Morgan of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and remarks from local leaders including city Mayor Sherry Capello and Habitat president and CEO Andrew Szalay. Lebanon County Commissioner Bob Phillips, architect Charlie Yohe of Yohe Architecture + Design, Habitat’s director of family services Allyson Davis, and Habitat’s director of construction Andy Joseph were also on hand, as was Estefanye Morales, the eventual homebuyer of the Walnut Street property.

Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity “builds homes, communities and hope for families in need of safe, affordable housing” across Lancaster and Lebanon counties, the release said. The organization has been active in the region since 1986.