The sounds of hammers and crowbars in use could be heard from outside 726 Prospect Ave. on Saturday morning.
Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County started the organization's latest project, as they began to turn a vacant house into a renovated home for an area family.
After a brief orientation, a couple dozen volunteers put on hard hats and facemasks and started to carry doors and debris to a dumpster outside.
"We've had a tremendous amount of support to get this project under way," said Matthew Tirella, president of the board of the local Habitat chapter.
The Kraft family of Oaks, Montgomery County, donated the property to Habitat, which is in the final stages of selecting a family that will live in the home. Habitat's last project was a home at 1711 Prospect Ave. finished in 2012 - the first home the local organization completed in about eight years. Since the chapter dissolved in 2004 after financial problems, it has been entirely restructured and has an all-volunteer leadership team. Organizers hope the new project is complete within the next year.
Before the volunteers got to work Saturday, Scranton police shut the 700 block of Prospect Avenue as organizers and community leaders spoke to the group assembled.
Parker Hill Community Church is the project's sponsoring organization.
"It's an exciting day," Pastor Paul McGuinness said. "We're thrilled to be part of it."
Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty said the project will help efforts to revitalize South Scranton.
"When we talk about restoring the pride ... you invest your pride by coming here and making this possible," he told the volunteers. "Homeownership is the key to any city."
For information on how to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatlackawanna.org.
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