‘Baker Build’ Habitat home planned
Fort Smith-based Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity plans to dedicate its 88th home to former Fort Smith Mayor, C. Ray Baker.
The single-family home address is 1809 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Ray Baker’s wife, Nancy, is very pleased about the “Baker Build” being named in her husband’s honor. “Ray made it a priority to attend every Habitat home dedication for the past 20 years because he believed that a stable home is vital to the security of a family and the basis for children doing better in school.”
The wall raising will take place March 5.
Local businesses, community organizations, and individuals will have the opportunity to make donations to fund construction of the “Baker Build” home. Gifts in kind are also welcome. The fundraising goal is $75,000. Progress of the “Baker Build” can be followed on the “Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity” Facebook page and the Habitat’s website.
The newly formed Habitat Campus Chapter at Southside High School will help in the fundraising and construction of the home to honor the former Southside teacher. The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and several other universities have already made commitments to also help in the construction of the “Baker Build.”
Members of the surrounding communities are also encouraged to make donations to the “Baker Build.” Donations may be made online or mailed to: Habitat for Humanity-Baker Build, P.O. Box 754, Fort Smith, AR, 72902-0754.