Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity announces the Golden Hammer Award Recipient. Robert K. Mericle built a home for Habitat that will be affordable to a low income family who otherwise would not have had the opportunity for homeownership. The Golden Hammer Award Recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment to help further the mission of Habitat. Karen Evans Kaufer, executive director of WVHFH said “We are delighted to have Robert K. Mericle partner with us in our mission to eliminate poverty housing. Providing this home helps the entire community by improving neighborhoods one house at a time. Volunteerism is one of the most important elements of the mission. Mr. Mericle not only built a home for Habitat and for a veteran and her family, but inspired others to volunteer their time and talents as well.”
“It was a great honor working with the Habitat for Humanity team on this project,” said Mr. Mericle. I am very proud of our many employees whose dedication and craftsmanship made this new home possible,” he said.
Since its founding in 1985, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services has provided significant financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to hundreds of non-profit and community organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since 2005, the company has donated more than 60,000 man hours to community service. In addition, Mericle employees and their families have donated thousands of hours of their personal time to many local worthy causes.
An average Habitat house for a family of four is 1100 square feet, has 3 bedrooms. Using volunteer labor and charitable gifts, we ensure our homes are affordable to low income families in Wyoming Valley. Habitat families are selected based on level of need, willingness to become partners in the Habitat program, and the ability to repay a no-interest, 20-year mortgage. Mortgage payments are “recycled” to help build more homes for other qualified families. Families who purchase Habitat homes invest at least 200 hours of “sweat equity” volunteer labor.