Mosinee High School construction students are happy to be building a home for Habitat for Humanity of Wausau.

Last year they didn't get to, but because the organization is getting creative to stay afloat, they're pounding nails again.

By the end of the school year, what now is a just a wooden floor, will be built into a three bedroom home by nine students.

"I didn't know if we were gonna have the funds for it this year, but I'm kind of proud I got into it," said Corey Brehmer, a junior.

Normally the school works with Habitat for Humanity of Wausau. Students learn the skills to build a house, and Habitat gets a new home for a worthy family.

"Basically it's the good cause that we do and we're grateful that we got the chance to build a house this year, last year we didn't have a house," said Jacob Schildt, a junior.

The class is about more than just pounding nails, students learn building skills, math skills and they'll get to greet the family when they see their brand new home

"I believe it will be a very important experience and something I will cherish the rest of my life," said Benjamin Meshak, also a junior.

Funding shortfalls prevented Habitat from building homes in the area two years ago.

"Last year we were able to afford and fund one home which we built with the D.C. Everest School District and this year we're happy to be involved in building two homes," said Berland Meyer, the construction chair for the Wausau chapter.

They're helping fund the program with monetary donations, and their Recycled Building Materials Center, which sells reclaimed building materials that they get through donations.

As long as Habitat reaches its goals, students will be ready and willing to lend a hand.

"We're just happy that Habitat for Humanity is back on track with their fundraising and things are going well for them and hopefully we can continue to do this," said Ron Klinner, who teaches the building construction class at Mosinee High School.

D.C. Everest students are also building a Habitat home this year.

Families may apply to be a Habitat family beginning next spring.

The local Habitat board considers a variety of factors when choosing an appropriate family, including their ability to pay the mortgage and their willingness to put in 300 hours of sweat equity.

Sometimes Habitat families fall on hard times after they're in their new homes, but Meyer says Habitat volunteers do everything they can to keep them there.