(Photo by Douglass Huxley) People sign the prayer boards Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 117th home built by the Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley on Plum Street. The house will be home to Alisa Pisula and her two sons DeAndre and Damien.

PARKERSBURG — Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley broke ground on its 117th house Friday on Plum Street, and this project has a special focus – it will be a Women Build Home.

“We have had a number of groups and individuals, businesses that have signed up to come out and help build the house,” Habitat Executive Director Robin Stewart said. “Women Build is such a special initiative because it brings women from all over the community to work together. The power of women coming together can make a real difference.”

Stewart said the goal is to have around 200 women volunteer to help build the home that will be owned by Alisa Pisula and her two sons, DeAndre and Damien.

Stewart said the home will be sold to Pisula at a 0% interest mortgage, in exchange for her working on the construction of the home as well as other Habitat houses in the community over the past two years.

Pisula said she and a group of single mothers were discussing their credit scores and future plans when someone brought up Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley. She said this began her journey and it gave her hope that there is light in the darkness.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Nine-year old DeAndre Pisula breaks ground on the site of his, his mother Alisa and brother Damien’s future home Friday on Plum Street. The home will be the 117th built by the Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley and will be a Women Build Home.

She said it was a life-changing gift from God and that He would have a place in their new home.

“Even though this house will belong to us, it’s God’s first and whatever he has to be birthed through me in this home with my family to each other, is what it’s all about,” she said.

Pisula encouraged others to explore the Habitat for Humanity program.

“I would encourage people to look more into the program,” Pisula said. “Because it gives people a chance to become something more than what they ever thought, whether that’s helping or receiving.”

The foundation for the house will be installed in December, and volunteer teams will start at the site after the first of the year, under the guidance of Construction Manager Ed Bonar.

Stewart said the construction timeline is estimated to take around six months, though it could potentially be completed faster if they reach their goal of 200 volunteers.

“If we can move a little bit faster, we’d love to have them under the roof before snowfall,” Stewart said.

Several local organizations and businesses are sponsoring the project, including the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, United Way, West Virginia Central Credit Union and various contractors providing in-kind donations of materials and labor.

“What Habitat does is really amazing, and we’re glad to be a partner with them,” said Ryan Fluharty from the City of Parkersburg, which has also provided support for the project.

Habitat for Humanity is encouraging community members to volunteer their time and skills to help build the home. Those who wish to volunteer or provide lunches to the team may register at www.habitatmov.com, or call 304-422-7907.

Pisula said she has no plans yet for when her family moves in but members of her church have told her to prepare for a housewarming party.

“I’m not one to ask, but they’re telling me to make a list or they’ll make one for me,” Pisula said.