MORGANTOWN  -- Mon County Habitat for Humanity is undergoing a series of changes that will benefit not only the organization, but also the Morgantown community.

It all started in January with a new executive director and since then it has been snowballing; new staff members, a number of new homes under construction and now Morgantown City Council's approval of the first reading of a zoning change for a new housing community in Jerome Park.

"We've got a lot going on," said Tracy Thorne and the Mon County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director isn't kidding.

Workers are building four new habitat homes this year, up from just one last year.

"One of the most exciting things for me is just seeing the progress," Thorne said, "it's just amazing how quickly we can actually move with all of our volunteers."

Starting next spring crews hope to be building a variety of single and multi-family homes in Jerome Park, providing affordable housing for up to 22 families.

"We have a critical need for that," said Morgantown City Manager Dan Boroff, "and this organization with their good works is very well situated to accomplish that goal."

"Just being able to help this many families in such a short period of time is just a wonderful feeling for us," Thorne explained.

Another plan in the works is to move Mon Habitat's ReStore store from its current location in Marilla Park to a new location on Greenbag Road.

"Right now with the location being where it is we might only make not even $1,000 a day," Thorne said. "With increased traffic we could potentially be talking about $20,000 a month, which is one third the cost of the house."

Changes that are adding up to a bright and busy future.

"I feel like the sky's the limit right now," she added, "We could be building 26 homes within the next few years so it's really exciting."

The zoning ordinance for the Jerome Park project still has to pass a second reading and a final vote before becoming law.

In the meantime Mon County Habitat for Humanity is always looking for monetary donations and volunteers.

To help out call (304) 292-0914 or click on the link below.