AUBURN – Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors is digging in to help make home ownership a reality for the families of Tracy Gondek and Karen Lewis. Volunteer construction crews led by Peter Van Oosten are collaborating on a volunteer-built home with Habitat for Humanity.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the homes will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at 14 and 22 Lufkin St. The board, the Gondek and Lewis families and Habitat supporters will gather to kick off construction.

“Our excitement is growing as we make the final preparations to kick off the construction of our 11th and 12th homes,” said Sally Belisle, board president.

“When local individuals give their time, energy and power to celebrate Habitat for Humanity’s mission by building houses with families in need, they bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal: the elimination of poverty housing worldwide,” said Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International.

Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity has built 10 homes in the Androscoggin County area since its foundation in 1987 and is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Inc., a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing.

Founded by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates in more than 2,000 communities in 79 nations have built and sold more than 150,000 homes for partner families with no-profit, zero-interest rate mortgages.

If interested in learning more about Androscoggin Habitat and the opportunities available, call 786-2598 or mail to P.O. Box 3041, Auburn, Maine 04212.