(Pittston, Pa.) Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity recently presented Habitat Hero awards at a home dedication in Pittston. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the local Habitat chapter was unable to host outside volunteers due to health and safety concerns. The Habitat “regulars”, consisting of a six-man skeleton crew, were permitted to continue to work on the home. Because of their continued volunteer work, Habitat was able to maintain important deadlines throughout the home renovation on Market Street in Pittston. Habitat created this award specifically to show the volunteers gratitude for their commitment to Habitat and its mission to provide homes for low-income families in Wyoming Valley.

From left, are Karen Evans Kaufer, executive director, Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity; Mike Kordek, Ed Price, Eric Woelfel, Ron Pazdziorko, Jim Trunzo, and Bill Mulligan.

(Pittston, Pa.) Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity recently presented the 2021 Gottfried Csala Award to attorney Eric Mahler at a home dedication in Pittston. The Gottfried Csala award is an honor given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution of professional expertise and knowledge to further the mission of Habitat over the past year.

Karen Evans Kaufer, Executive Director of WVHFH, said, “The Gottfried Csala Volunteer Award is presented to an individual who contributes time and professional abilities towards helping the organization’s mission. “Eric’s kind support and generosity towards our organization is truly appreciated.”

From left,  Karen Evans Kaufer, executive director of WVHFH; Eric Mahler, managing partner, Mahler Law Firm.

(Pittston, Pa.)Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity recently presented the 2021 Golden Hammer award to Joe and Sharon Cosgrove and George and Lynn Cosgrove at a home dedication in Pittston. The Golden Hammer Award honors those who have shown exceptional commitment to help further the mission of Habitat. Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity honored the families with this award for the donation of their family home. Over the past year, Habitat volunteers worked to restore the home for a local, low-income family to purchase on terms they can afford.

The family homestead has been in the Cosgrove family since the mid-1800’s and is rich in family history. The former Luzerne County judge said in a prepared release, “The home was always a place where people felt welcome. It has a history of our ancestors taking in people and giving them a place of comfort, a place to share, a place to visit anytime they wished, even a place to live if they were in need.” Cosgrove added, “Our mom and dad instilled in us the duty to give back as repayment for all that has been given to us. The donation to Habitat was the best way we could honor their legacy and the history of this home. We hope the next occupants will be able to create a history just as rich, warm and welcoming as we have enjoyed.”

Karen Evans Kaufer, executive director of WVHFH said, “Their generosity will allow a local, low-income family to become first time homeowners and help Habitat revitalize local communities.”

From left, are Jill Pentangelo, Sharon Cosgrove, Joe Cosgrove, and Karen Evans Kaufer, executive director of WVHFH.

(Pittston, Pa.) Wells Fargo recently presented Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity with a $35,000 grant award! The charitable contribution will help fund Habitat’s Pittston home build that will house a local, low-income family and help them achieve the dream of first time homeownership. Through donations and volunteer labor, Habitat is able to build then sell homes to partner families on terms they can afford. Thank you, Wells Fargo, for your continued support of Habitat! #wellsfargobuilds

(Lehman, PA)-Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Spencer Martin Memorial Bike Ride. Spencer Martin was a long-time devoted volunteer whose work still inspires us today. On Sunday, September 12th, cyclists will wind their way through the scenic back mountain for a spectacular 35- mile ride.

Registration is now available on-line at https://www.bikereg.com/bike21-spencer-martin-memorial-bike-ride-for-habitat

Please call 570-820-8002 for additional information or visit www.bikeforhabitat.org

(Pittston Twp., PA)-Joe and Sharon Cosgrove along with Joe’s brother, George, and George’s wife, Lynn, recently donated their childhood home to Habitat.

On Saturday, Joe and Sharon toured the home that has been being restored since August to see the progress. Joe recalled, “The home was always a place where people felt welcome. It has a history of our ancestors taking in people and giving them a place of comfort, a place to share, a place to visit anytime they wished, even a place to live if they were in need.” Cosgrove added, “Our mom and dad instilled in us the duty to give back as repayment for all that has been given to us. The donation to Habitat was the best way we could honor their legacy and the history of this home. We hope the next occupants will be able to create a history just as rich, warm and welcoming as we have enjoyed.”

(Wilkes-Barre)-Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity received a $5,000 grant award from MotorWorld Toyota to help fund its current home restoration project on Market Street in Pittston Twp. The donation will help a local, low-income family achieve first time home ownership. Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds or restores simple, decent homes to sell to families in need in Wyoming Valley. Habitat families are selected based on level of need, willingness to become partners in the Habitat program, and the ability to repay a no-interest mortgage. For information about Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity, call 570-820-8002 or email info@wv-hfh.org. First row, from left, are Jay Thomas, sales manager, MotorWorld Toyota; Rick Osick, division president, MotorWorld I MileOne Autogroup; Karen Evans Kaufer, executive director, Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity; Mary Beth Allen, volunteer coordinator, WVHFH; and Sean VonPoppe, sales manager, MotorWorld Toyota.

Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity recently kicked off its 2020 Annual Appeal fundraising campaign. Donations made to the Annual Appeal will help with costs for Habitat’s current home rehab in Pittston Twp. that will house a local, low-income family.

WVHFH is a non-profit organization that builds simple, decent homes to sell to families in need. Each family will contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity,” working side by side with volunteers to help build and then buy their own home on terms they can afford.

If you would like to donate to the Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Appeal, click on any donate button located on our website!