Former Rolla Mayor Elwyn Wax, Phelps County Presiding Commissioner Randy Verkamp, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, former Phelps County Habitat President Amy Beechner-McCarthy, former Phelps County Habitat Vice-President Mark Rolufs, (Ella's daughter), Ella Brown, and Habitat volunteer Duke Alden participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the home, which was completed in late fall 1997.

Ella Brown and her daughter stand near the site.