Habitat for Humanity is looking for participants in the annual “Four For The Fourth” run/walk- a-thon. The money raised from the run/walk will go towards Habitat families and building future homes.

The two-mile walk starts at the park moving into Harrison Street on to 14th Street.

“The run goes [sic] all the way up to the square, to the fairgrounds then back to the park,” Gail Bower, walk organizer said.

Registration for the four-mile run, or two-mile walk begin at 7 a.m. on July 4th in Morton Park.

The run/walk begins at 8 a.m. and costs $15 to participate in. Included in the fee is a free t-shirt.

Bower said, the run/walk operates entirely on volunteer work and they are still in need of the help.

Volunteers help with registration and guard the streets as the run/walk goes through Charleston.

The walk will benefit the Habitat for Humanity organization which helps families who need a little assistance to buy a home on thier own.

“The family is selected on the basis of need,” Bower said, “They must make a down payment to show they are honest and serious.”

Bower said, Habitat decides how much the home will cost to build, and since these families do not qualify for a home loan, Habitat buys the house at cost. The families then pay Habitat on their interest free mortgage.

In addition to the down payment and paying the mortgage, the family must also put in what Habitat calls “sweat equity,” or 250 hours toward building the house, Bower said.

After the house is built, like all homeowners, they are responsible for their mortgage, taxes, insurance and the usual expenses required.

Bower said, the Coles County division of Habitat for Humanity has built six houses in Mattoon and five in Charleston. They hope to begin building their 12th house as soon as enough money is raised to begin the project.

Bower said, those interested in participating in the run/walk can show up on the day of the race and fill out the application. Those interested in volunteer work can contact Gail Bower at (217) 345-6422.

Any questions regarding participation in future events can be asked at the race or sent to P.O. Box 945 in Charleston.