WEST LIBERTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Habitat for Humanity held what they called a "groundblessing" at its new West Liberty homesite. It's the first one in West Liberty since the March 2nd tornado. Set against a backdrop of downed trees and demolished buildings, it's a defiant sign of hope.

Like so many others across Eastern Kentucky, March 2nd was the day Joyce Morris' life changed forever.

"We took shelter in our bathroom. It was me and my three kids and that's where we stayed and rode out the storm until we walked out and realized we had half of a house and everything outside was gone," said Morris.

Amid the signs of destruction that remain here in downtown West Liberty nearly six months later, a brand new home for Morris' family is rising.

"It's so exciting!" she exclaimed.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers from as far away as New Mexico are hammering away at the house, working to create a new life for Morris and her family.

"It's exciting to see our house and see this transformation taking place," said Greg Dike, of the Morehead Habitat for Humanity.

Most people who are selected for Habitat homes pay a zero percent mortgage on the home, but this one is different.

"The houses will be free to those who lost everything. To be able to say 'OK, here's your house. Try to start as much as you can where you left off,' is a real treat," said Dike.

Habitat workers say Joyce and her family will be able to move in to the new house before Thanksgiving. Habitat workers said they plan to build other homes in West Liberty soon.