This past Sunday, the family of Tiwannah Jones got a wonderful early Christmas present, as they were given the keys to a home that was remodeled by the local chapter of Habitat For Humanity.

Habitat is a Christian-based organization that either builds or refurbishes houses, and then allows needy families and individuals to work toward home ownership by making small monthly payments on the houses. Habitat is a “hand up, not a hand out,” as local chapter president Bill Bowers said Sunday.

Potential homeowners also participate in the construction or remodeling work itself, through a concept called “sweat equity.” In Jones’ case, she cleaned up behind the workers who did the remodeling.

We applaud the volunteers who work with Habitat and do their part to help families in need obtain affordable, respectable shelter.