Habitat for Humanity back in county after 7-year hiatus

A Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County home in South Scranton will provide shelter for a family and signal the restoration of the charity's reputation when its keys are handed over on Friday.

The new home at 1709 Prospect Ave. with its large windows, wide hallways and a rear patio has a great view of Taylor and West Side, along with the amenities one would expect: ample insulation, plenty of electrical outlets and highly efficient lighting.

On Friday, the keys and the responsibility for the home will be given to Faith Coss, a single mother of four and personal care assistant who works for a local home health provider.

The quaint, yellow vinyl home was a long time in coming. Current president of the local Habitat board Todd Pousley said the charity hit a hard spot in getting donations and support.

"People were reluctant to work with us because issues in the past left a sour taste," he said. "We had to convince people that we are a different group with a different approach and tried to start fresh relationships."

The Prospect Avenue home is the first Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County has completed since 2005. Back then, Mr. Pousley was a student at Marywood University who would recruit volunteers to work on local Habitat projects. Although Mr. Pousley was a marketing major, his father was a general contractor. Growing up, Mr. Pousley would often accompany his father to work and quickly picked up building skills. In college Habitat for Humanity offered a unique way for him apply his special skills.

"I always had an affinity for Habitat and was drawn to their mission," he said.

Problems build

From its inception in 1990 through 2004, the Lackawanna chapter built or remodeled 26 houses.

But the organization's problems were mounting.

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Habitat for Humanity back in county after 7-year hiatus