Habitat for Humanity of Morrow County, Ohio
Habitat for Humanity of Morrow County was incorporated on November 9, 1998. Our first house was built in Edison and the family moved in on Christmas Day of 1999. Our second house, located across from the fair grounds, was completed in 2000. Both homes were built on donated land. We were then able to purchase a tract of land in Cardington far below market value due to the generosity of Mrs. Alfreda Bonner. We have since built 4 homes on this property and plan to break ground for a fifth one in April. The development has a paved street, curbs and will have sidewalks and streetlights when completed.
The houses themselves are well-constructed and must meet all building codes. The living space is 900 square feet for a 2 bedroom house; 1050 for a 3 bedroom and 1150 for a 4 bedroom. The cost ranges from 38,000 to 42,000. Each family has the opportunity to contribute to the design of the home as much as possible. An options budget of $1000 allows the family to personalize the home with options.
Habitat houses are not “free.” Families pay the cost of the materials used and are required to put in 250 hours of sweat equity per adult individual. They are also required to take classes in home ownership.
We are a volunteer organization; there are no paid people in our organization. We are dependent on donations and grants for our builds. We have been able to continue our work because of grants from First Energy and the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program. A grant from the People’s Fund of Consolidated Electric enabled us to purchase much needed tools and a tool trailer. Individual donations are also an important part of our fund raising. We have a Carpenters’ Club where individuals pledge $40 a year for membership. Donations from local churches have also been an important part of our funding.
Many of our volunteers on the building crew are in their 70’s and refer to themselves as the “over-the-hill”gang. We are always looking for new volunteers! We need volunteers in many areas—if you can paint, sand, nail, prepare food, help with fundraising, etc.--whatever your talents, Habitat will be happy to find a place for you. To volunteer call or e-mail Dick Myers 419-947-3681 rnjmyers@bright.net
To
learn more about our program or to inquire about the requirements for qualifying
for a Habitat home, call or e-mail Cindy Fidler 419-946-2429 cfidler@redbird.net