GULF SHORES, Ala. — Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County will host a dedication ceremony today at 10 a.m. where Donna Cheesebrew and her daughters Tara and Lacey will receive the keys to their new home. The ceremony is the culmination of a months-long process for both the Habitat for Humanity and the Cheesebrew family.

In September, Cheesebrew was chosen to be one of Habitat for Humanity’s partner families because she clearly met the agency’s three selection criteria: a demonstrated need for simple and decent housing, the ability to repay the no interest mortgage and the willingness to partner with the agency. As part of the process the Cheesebrew family was required to provide 400 hours of “sweat equity,” helping to build homes for other families as well as their own.

Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County raised the money to finance the construction of the house, recruited and organized the volunteer efforts and began construction of the home in early November. The volunteers were able to complete the home on schedule, and have the Cheesebrews have a new home this holiday season.

“This is why we do what we do,” said Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County executive director Cliff Barros. “Hundreds of people from all walks of life are coming together to help an entire family who, themselves, are working very hard to improve their lives.”

The Cheesebrew home, located at15203 Elizabeth Drive South, Bon Secour is the sixth Habitat home to be dedicated in Baldwin County in 2008. Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County is planning on building 75 homes in the next five years.