HERMISTON – The Ford Family Foundation has offered Oregon Trail Habitat for Humanity a $25,000 grant to help build a house for a needy family.

Alice Alexander, vice president of the Habitat for Humanity board, said the organization intends to continue fundraising until it has enough funds to build another house. The contribution from the Roseburg foundation is a matching grant, Alexander said, so Habitat for Humanity must raise at least an equal amount.

“Donations of labor from licensed carpenters, electricians, excavators, cement workers … or in-kind donations of materials can also be counted toward the $25,000,” she said.

Habitat for Humanity is building a house in Umatilla and has three lots available, but is looking for more, especially in Hermiston, Alexander said. Donations of property can be counted toward matching funds.

“Many times, individuals give a lot in memory of a loved one, or as a tax write-off,” she said.

Habitat for Humanity sells houses at cost, using a no-interest loan, to families that qualify. Community volunteers build the homes.

There are three criteria for getting a Habitat house, Alexander said: need, willingness to work 500 hours on the house and ability to make the monthly loan payments. Family and friends may help contribute toward the 500 hours labor, she added.

To volunteer, or to apply for a house, call or visit the Oregon Trail Habitat for Humanity office, 240 E. Gladys Ave., Suite 2A, 567-1509. Office hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.