Habitat for Humanity Freeborn/Mower will begin construction on its 29th Habitat home in Albert Lea. At 9 a.m. on Saturday, the organization will have a groundbreaking ceremony for the partner family. The ceremony marks the beginning of the build season with a ground blessing, introduction of the partner family and allowing the family to break the first ground on their building site. The public is welcome at the 705 Alcove St. lot on Saturday morning.

In the current economic climate, Habitat has become an important resource of secure and adequate housing in the community, with foreclosures in 2008 estimated at 130 homes in Mower County and 121 in Freeborn County. The local affiliate has built 28 homes since its inception and in 1991. In 2009, the greater Minnesota Habitat affiliates have built 61 new homes around Minnesota.

“Our program changes lives, invests in our community and brings people together in an effort to fight poverty,” said Program Coordinator and ReStore Manager Hugh Alverson.

The organization is looking for teams of people from churches and organizations to provide labor and donations for specific parts of the home. To volunteer, visit www.habitataustinmn.org/volunteer.htm or call the office at (507) 433-1349 or 1-800-300-1349.