Beth Jolley got a little choked up Friday as she accepted the keys to her new home during a dedication ceremony, held by Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity.

“I just want to thank you for everybody who helped make this happen for my family. This is a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful hand up,” Jolley said, referring to the nonprofit’s motto of providing not a hand out but a hand up.

Nikki Hoellwarth, executive director of Mountain Spirit, explained that Jolley had to complete hours of classes before taking possession of the home, including on general homeowner education and financial management. Jolley also contributed “sweat equity” by volunteering her time to help build the home. She will make a modest mortgage payment, interest free, on her five-bedroom, two bathroom home on North Day Street.

Jolley, who works as a dental assistant, said she and her six children had been “through the wringer” the past couple years, and the home is a bright spot in all that.

“It’s perfect,” she said.

At the dedication, Hoellwarth handed over a large cardboard golden key to represent Jolley becoming a new homeowner.

“We are so happy for her,” Hoellwarth said.

The executive director said 2020 has been a challenging year, and Habitat for Humanity has not escaped it all. Hoellwarth thanked the contractors, Mountain Spirit staff, and volunteers for helping the nonprofit build the home for the partner family, as the homeowners are called.

The home is the first the nonprofit has built since 2007. Jolley’s mortgage payments will help get the nonprofit’s revolving loan fund rolling, Hoellwarth said, which will fund future home projects.

Hoellwarth thanked Smooth Edge Construction, the general contractor on the project, saying the company “didn’t just help us build this house. They’re helping us build houses year after year. And we’re just immensely grateful for them.”

She said the project couldn’t have been completed without their assistance.

Shane Shoopman, co-owner of Smooth Edge Construction, was among the attendees of the dedication. Jolley’s young son, Hunter, ran up and hugged Shoopman.

“Thank you for building our home,” Hunter Jolley said.

Hoellwarth also thanked the subcontractors: electrician Carl Olson, plumber Mike Flores, Custom Air, F & R Insulation, SWI Fence and Supply, and Andy Miller for the siding.

The dedication would have happened sooner, but there were delays in delivering the appliances. Jolley is still waiting for a stove and dishwasher. However, she said it wouldn’t be a problem as she has friends who can lend a stove — and, she half-joked, the kids could do the dishes.

“We look forward to making new memories as a family in this beautiful home,” Jolley said.