A Holston Habitat For Humanity build to help an Elizabethton veteran move into his own home is making progress, but the agency is calling for more volunteers to help them meet their project deadline.

Representatives from Holston Habitat teamed up with Steve Messina on July 8 to break ground and begin construction on his home, located at 207 Parkway Blvd. The goal is to have the house completed and ready to move in before November 11.

“We would love to dedicate the house for Veterans Day,” said Holston Habitat’s Community Outreach Director Trish Patterson.

The project for Messina’s home is a Habitat Community Build, which means not only will Messina help with the construction of his home but the project includes an open invitation for individuals, groups, churches, civic clubs, and businesses to volunteer with construction, provide materials or provide food and drinks for volunteers.

Eddie Bales, construction supervisor for the project, will be onsite every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through mid-October, directing the work of volunteers.

For those who may not have the time or ability to volunteer at a construction site, a special opportunity to help out in another way is coming up later this month.

September 11 is the National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Holston Habitat is asking the community honor and remember the volunteers who make projects like building a home for Messina possible.

“Over 1000 different people volunteer with us each year,” says Mandy Penz, Holston Habitat’s Volunteer Coordinator. “This year on 9/11, Holston Habitat invites the community to show appreciation for their volunteer service by donating water and snacks for them.”

On Sept. 11, from 5-6 p.m. at the Donation Drop-off area at both the Johnson City and Kingsport Habitat ReStore locations, community members can donate cases of bottled water and individually wrapped snacks. The water and snacks will be shared with nearly 500 volunteers working this fall to build four Habitat homes including Messina’s home in Elizabethton as wells as builds in Johnson City and Sulphur Springs.

For every carton of water or snacks dropped off between 5 pm and 6 pm at the ReStore on 9/11, the donor will receive a $5.00 off ReStore coupon.

“Nearly 3,000 volunteer hours are invested in each Habitat for Humanity home. Since our volunteers work in the heat, in the rain, in the snow, having water and snacks on the construction site is essential,” said Holston Habitat’s Executive Director Art Pearce. “So, we appreciate this chance for the community to help us honor our great volunteers.”

For more information about volunteering with Holston Habitat for Humanity or donating items or materials visit www.holstonhabitat.org or call 423-239-7689.