Two families move into their new affordable homes they built through Essex County Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program

        Just in time for the holidays

On Tuesday, November 21, Essex County Habitat for Humanity welcomed two families to their new affordable homes – just in time to cook Thanksgiving dinner in their new kitchens. A home dedication celebrated almost 2 years of work building these affordable homes. Volunteers, who donated their time to help build houses with Habitat contributed almost 6800 hours, guided by staff construction supervisors. Ana and Yenny, the new homeowners, worked 240 hours each helping to build their homes.

All that hard work will pay off with the benefits that an affordable and stable living situation provides. Ana, who works in the food industry, and her two sons will now have a heating system that works, and Yenny, who works at a bank, will no longer have to share her bedroom with any of her three children. They will now spend only 30% of their income on housing (with an affordable 30-year mortgage) which will drastically improve their financial health, allowing them to afford things like more nutritious food and better healthcare. Additionally, children from stable households are 25% more likely to graduate high school, 116% more likely to graduate from college, and earn an income that is 100% higher than a child raised in a rented home.

But equally important is the pride of ownership, of providing for your family, of making your dream come true. Ana’s hopes for being a homeowner are “stability for my children that they feel safe and are not afraid to be in one place now and tomorrow in another, and above all, to leave them a heritage.”  Yenny adds, “Stability, space and peace – that’s exactly what I am looking forward to in my new house! For that opportunity, I thank the Lord up above.”

Indeed, there is much to be thankful for this year!

 

About Essex County Habitat for Humanity

Essex County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the world. Essex County Habitat builds decent, safe, and affordable homes in partnership with the families who need them. In place of a down payment, each partner family works at least 240 sweat equity hours alongside volunteers to build their home and then carries an affordable 30-year mortgage.  Since it was established in 1985, the affiliate has delivered on their mission for over 160 families in Essex County.

To help fund their work, Essex County Habitat operates a ReStore, located in Lawrence, where they sell quality new and previously owned furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods at greatly reduced prices. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit EssexCountyHabitat.org

 

Sources: Haurin, Parcel, Haurin 2000; Homeownership Alliance of Nonprofit Downpayment Providers; Harkness and Newman 2003