It's Rose Hills: Habitat for Humanity fundraiser names new East Helena housing development

Nearly 300 people gathered at the Kleffner Ranch on Thursday as part of a fundraiser for a Helena Area Habitat for Humanity housing project that will likely change the area forever and eventually provide homes for thousands.

And, they selected Rose Hills as the new name of the East Helena project among two other entries: Eleanor and Belle Park.

The name is in honor of Al and Ann Rose. Al Rose had served as appointed city clerk and water rent collector and then served as police chief from 1951-1968. Ann Rose was assistant clerk and water rent collector.

“I am thrilled,” their 98-year-old daughter Iris Maness said by telephone Friday. “I know they would be so pleased as I am and I know that if my brother and sister were still alive they would be jumping for joy.”

Jacob Kuntz, executive director of Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, outlined plans for the new 250-acre project, which he said, to his knowledge, was the largest land development project undertaken by any Habitat organization in the world.