Habitat Las Vegas builds again

Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas recently built a home for a family in need, and Audree Goldstock moved into it this month with her four children. The three-bedroom, two-bath house, the nonprofit's sixth in the valley this year, is Goldstock's lifelong dream.

Like Habitat's 42 previous projects in the area, it was built by volunteer labor, monetary donations and a land grant from the city of Henderson. Plus, as all Habitat home occupants have done, Goldstock logged 250 hours of "sweat equity" during the 10-month building process.

Hundreds of other volunteers donated skilled and unskilled labor, as well as materials and tools.

America's Community Bankers sponsored the home with a $60,000 commitment. The Washington, D.C.-based association also sent two bus loads of bankers to help with the framing of the home.

Goldstock, 40, also assisted in the framing, and kept involved with every step of the building process. She said the nails she hammered in were "crooked," but that she takes pride in the work she did.

The mother of four applied for a Habitat home 18 months ago. At the time, she and her children shared an apartment near East Desert Inn Road. Given their financial situation at the time, Goldstock said they were "barely" living.

Susan Mackert, executive director of the local nonprofit agency, said the selection of the Goldstock family was notable because they were referred by another nonprofit agency, the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson, where Dyllan Goldstock, 13, and his brother, Matthew, 11, were in a day-care program.

"We've been trying to work with other nonprofits, trying to network and get referrals for other families who need homes," Mackert said.

Goldstock was chosen based on her income and other factors.

"It was a thrill. It was unbelievable," she said. "I was so excited. I told my mom ... I couldn't believe it."

The family, which also includes 15-year-old Zachery and 18-year-old Sarah, have settled into their new 1,300-square-foot home, which Goldstock describes as "tiny on the outside, but looks bigger on the inside."

She now pays an interest-free monthly mortgage.

Mackert said, "2004 has been a great year so far. Plans for 2005 include the completion of 10 homes, and creating more and more opportunities for everyone to get involved and help build homes, so they can make a difference and get involved in their community."

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