Wings of a Bird

Architecture with Heart
... for people who've received a Rural Studio home, free of charge, life takes on a whole new hue. "I was glad to get my house ... The children was glad; even the chickens and the dogs was glad. I'm proud of my house."
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One of the children improved his grades dramatically after he had a quiet place to study, says Freear. He got into college, completed a degree, and now wants to be a lawyer.
Kendra Patrick, whose family moved into their new home this summer, is also delighted to have her own room, and to finally have indoor plumbing. Before, the 19-year-old and her 6-year-old brother had to walk to their grandparents' home nearby to bathe. ...
"I like the design," she says, smiling broadly. Then, more quietly, she adds, "I like the fact that someone decided to do this for us."
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This "recycling" has included beams salvaged from an old church, a tub from a washing machine (for a light fixture), rubber from old tires (for stair treads), even sticks from a beaver dam (for framing love seats). This saves money, which is important, since each house costs roughly $30,000 and must be paid for with grants and donations.