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dbryce@journalnet.com

POCATELLO -- Pete Petersen is not usually an emotional person.

But Petersen, a member of the Building Committee for Gateway Habitat for Humanity, admits taking part in a "Blitz Building" project in Nashville and seeing 10 homes dedicated touched his heart.

"It was just pretty emotional to be part of that," he said.

During the "Building Blitz," Habitat groups from throughout the country converged to build 10 homes in five days. The homes were constructed for low-income families.

A retired telephone company worker, Petersen said his wife introduced him to Habitat for Humanity about three years ago. As a member of the building committee, he's in charge of coordinating volunteer efforts during construction of Habitat homes.

To qualify for a home, recipients must meet income requirements, put in 100 hours of work on the home and solicit an additional 500 hours of labor. In exchange, the new homeowner receives an interest-free mortgage on the property.

Petersen said Whirlpool also donates a refrigerator and a stove to each Habitat for Humanity home.

Gateway Habitat is in the process of building a home for a local family of six at 838 W. Sublette St. While most Habitat homes are new structures, Petersen said funding is now available that will allow the group to upgrade and renovate older residences.

Petersen, originally from Gooding, moved to Southeast Idaho 42 years ago and has lived in McCammon for the past three decades. He and his wife, Linda, have been married 42 years and have one son, Jonathan.

When he's not coordinating construction projects, Petersen said he enjoys gardening and being outdoors.

"I four-wheel a lot and like just getting out into the mountains," he said.

Petersen said Habitat for Humanity is a community effort. Local contractors such as Allan Priddy, Zane Robinson and John Johnson make the program work. Since Petersen joined in the effort three years ago, Gateway Habitat for Humanity has built three homes for local families.

Petersen has found the work he does with Habitat for Humanity to be rewarding, and he intends to stay involved for as long as possible.

"It feels good to be able to do something for someone less fortunate," he said. "And we're always looking for volunteers."

By Debbie Bryce

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