People Use Day Off for Day of Service

WASHINGTON - Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not a day off for many -- it's a day of service. That is why people with Habitat for Humanity spent the day working on new townhouses in D.C.

The project has been underway for more than two years on the former site of a garbage filled vacant lot. One volunteer -- Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter -- says this is a good day to give something back.

"We are very fortunate here in America, and it's important that we share that good fortune."

Site Manager Van Anderson says the 53 new homes go for about $135,000, and are for low income families.

"They are three bedroom townhouses with one bath in the upstairs."

The project can be labeled a success so far. More than 30 of the finished houses have already been occupied, and one has even been assessed at $240,000.

(Copyright 2007 by WTOP Radio. All Rights Reserved.)