Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County will celebrate the groundbreaking of its first community development project — Harris Court — in Port Orchard with a free community barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.

Harris Court is a new 32-home development located off Harris Road, between Lund and Salmonberry. It is Habitat for Humanity’s fifth community development project in Kitsap County.

South Kitsap Fire and Rescue is helping sponsor the free community barbecue and its staff will bring several fire engines and trucks.

Initial site clearing and infrastructure work has been completed, including newly paved roads, sidewalks and utilities.

“This has been a long time coming,” Habitat’s Executive Director Daryl Daugs said. “We acquired the property for Harris Court in 2008 and the transformation that is now taking place is just amazing. We’re excited to be building more homes in Port Orchard, and we hope the community will come out to celebrate with us.”

Families and community members are encouraged to attend.

Habitat for Humanity chooses partner families based on their need for housing, ability to make regular house payments, and their willingness to partner with Habitat.

All partner families are required to help build their home by working side by side with volunteers.

Habitat for Humanity builds decent and affordable housing in partnership with people who are living in poverty housing and who are unable to secure adequate housing by conventional means.

For more information, please visit KitsapHabitat.org.