Christie Gorsline, a representative for the Verdes Habitat for Humanity project, spells it out with numbers – 5,000 – 130,000 – 30 and 1.

Every year residents of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde collaborate to build a home for Habitat for Humanity. To achieve this goal, it takes 5,000 volunteer man hours on the job site.

They also raise over $130,000 to cover the costs of materials, and the community has been doing this every year since 1995, so they are now getting ready to build home number 30.

“Only one community worldwide builds and funds a house for Habitat for Humanity every year,” Gorsline said. “We are proud to be that one community.”

Any resident of the Verdes who is interested in signing on for the construction team may contact Pete Sturman, sturmanpr@gmail.com.

Those who wish to make a financial contribution may write a check payable to Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, note “Verdes” in the memo line and drop it off at the Rio Verde Community Association office at the Rio Verde Community Center. Anyone looking for other ways to donate may contact Rod Muilenberg, prmuily@gmail.com.

To celebrate the Verdes’ home number 30 there have been Habitat for Humanity T-shirts and hats made for all volunteers and donors. Contact Gorsline at 503-530-0594 to claim one.

“The families who get a chance at home ownership because of your participation say a hearty ‘thank you,’” Gorsline said.