Editor, the News-Herald:

We are excited to be finally bringing a long standing dream to reality: establishing and organization that is Suffolk-based and Suffolk-managed for the good of Suffolk citizens.

Since 1992 a dedicated group of volunteers has built 16 affordable homes through their hard work and generosity of our donors. While we appreciated the national connection through Habitat for Humanity, the money, materials and labor have all come primarily from our own community.

Why establish Building Suffolk Inc.?

-First, we will continue the original Christian grassroots model, drawing on the Suffolk community for support – neighbor helping neighbor.

-Second, we will have a Board of Directors made up of Suffolkians, who know the city’s housing needs.

-Third, we will ensure that new homeowners are selected from a pool of Suffolk families by a committee that knows their situation.

-Fourth, we will lower the cost of each home by cutting administrative expenses.

-Fifth, we will keep mortgage payments in Suffolk and reinvest them in more homes.

Building Suffolk Inc. is registered with the State Corporation Commission and has applied to the IRS for tax exempt status. The next step is to bring together a cross-section of interested Suffolk people. We invite you to an organizational meeting to be held at West End Baptist Church, 105 St. James Ave. on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please come and bring any interested friends.

While our name has changed, our mission has not. Building Suffolk Inc. is dedicated to eradicating substandard housing and to bringing home ownership within the reach of low income working families.

Angela Koncz, executive director

Fran Alwood, secretary/treasurer

Rev. Skip Irby, church liaison