In 1989, Rev. John Gingerich gathered together his friends and family to start a Habitat for Humanity organization in Lawrence to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.

Now, a quarter century and 85 homes later, Lawrence Habitat is celebrating its 25th birthday with four events throughout September, the first beginning Saturday.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, Lawrence Habitat will host a nail-driving ceremony for its 86th home, 1233 New Jersey St. At the event, each member of the family receiving the home will drive the first nails into the project. Afterward, attendees will get to watch volunteers raise the home’s walls.

Lawrence Habitat Community Outreach Coordinator Maddie Hinds said the nail-driving ceremony will be a powerful way to kick-start the month of Habitat’s celebrations.

“Nail driving is symbolism for the family, it’s like, ‘OK, we’re starting this,'” Hinds said. “It’s moving to see that family literally start helping build their home and then see the skeleton of the house go up.”

Also Saturday, Lawrence Habitat’s ReStore, 708 Connecticut St., will be celebrating nine years in business with a store-wide 35 percent-off sale, Hinds said.

Next Saturday, Sept. 20, Lawrence Habitat will host its 25th anniversary celebration party from 4 to 6 p.m. at South Middle School, 2734 Louisiana St. Hinds said the event will feature a motivational speech by Jose Quinonez, director of volunteer and advocacy engagement at Habitat for Humanity International.

Mayor Mike Amyx will address the impact Lawrence Habitat has had on the community at the celebration, and Pachamama’s will provide appetizers and drinks. Hinds said Lawrence Habitat’s entire archive from its 25 years, including newspaper articles, pictures and stories, will be available for perusing at the event.

“If you were involved with the organization 10 years ago, you can probably find a picture of yourself working on a build site,” Hinds said.

On Sept. 21, local churches are invited to join congregations around the world for the organization’s International Day of Prayer, when the entire Habitat for Humanity community worldwide is urged to come together in support for those in need of shelter, Hinds said.

“It’s a special day for the world to observe and reflect on the mission of Habitat for Humanity,” Hinds said. “Participants are encouraged to put prayers, well-wishes and intentions toward safe, affordable housing for all people.”

Lawrence Habitat will wrap up its 25th birthday celebration with a block party featuring a free breakfast provided by Chris Cakes as Lawrence Habitat dedicates its first entire neighborhood on Sept. 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Comfort Lane, which is located between 8th and Walnut streets.

Lawrence Habitat has been working on completing the Comfort Neighborhood, a city block developed by the organization and currently home to 16 Habitat homeowners.

The neighborhood was completed this summer after the construction of the final home. Before 2007, Hinds said, the North Lawrence neighborhood was just an empty lot.

“Habitat for Humanity brings the community together to build something from the ground up,” Hinds said. “Unlike picking up trash on the highway, it’s an opportunity to make something that’s permanent.”

Hinds said Lawrence Habitat is hosting the celebrations to honor those who helped grow the group into the community building organization it is today.

“We couldn’t have made it 25 years without all of our volunteers and donors,” Hines said. “We want to celebrate them this month.”

All events are free and open to the public.