Here’s how you can support Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build 100 homes and beyond for those with the dream of home ownership
By Mary Malik
The vision of Habitat for Humanity is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This is a bold vision but one that Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity (LGHFH) is working toward, in its little corner of the world.
“What if everyone in Lake and Geauga Counties had a safe, healthy and affordable place to call home?” Michael Barb, executive director of LGHFH, asks. “Our staff begins each day asking themselves this question, and then we get busy making that happen through our 100th Home and Beyond initiative.”
The 100th Home & Beyond initiative was created with a goal of raising $1.2 million to complete five homes and reach the 100-home milestone in the next two years. LGHFH’s 97th home is near completion, with the 98th home scheduled for ground breaking in Chardon in the spring of 2024.
“The family is already a Chardon family,” Michael says. “Laurie, and her four children are very connected to this community. It was their hope when they applied for the program to stay in Chardon, and we were able to make that happen.”
Michael explains that due to the challenges in terms of acquisition costs and other details, LGHFH must get creative to keep housing opportunities affordable.
“The adage, ‘It takes a village’ is true,” Michael says. “We rely on local partners and volunteers to make the dream of home ownership possible for hardworking people like Laurie.”
Spending her entire life in Chardon, Laurie knew this is where she wanted to remain and continue to raise her family.
“I’ve traveled to other places and Chardon always feels like home to me, no matter where I go,” Laurie says.
Applying for the program and waiting to be accepted was a long process for Laurie, but worth the wait to know she and her family would stay in Chardon and remain active in the community they love.
“Laurie and her family have experienced obstacles along the way. Just as life was turning around for them, the house they were renting burned to the ground and they lost everything,” Michael says. “They are hardworking, supportive of each other, and exemplify the Habitat family. We are thrilled to partner with Laurie to make her dream of owning her own home come true.”
The LGHFH application process includes three basic requirements for home ownership. Applicants must demonstrate the need for stable housing, prove the ability to pay the mortgage and be willing to partner with the LGHFH on the project.
Laurie and her family aren’t the only partners LGHFH needs to make this project a reality.
“Our goal for this Chardon home is to have the Geauga County community sponsor all aspects of the build,” Michael says. “For example, 4 Seasons Construction & Roofing is on board to provide the roof and gutters for free, and Blue Collar Electricians has been a great partner by discounting services for LGHFH repair projects. We are reaching out to the community to match that level of commitment for this Chardon home.”
Michael and LGHFH see this as a unique opportunity for Chardon and the entire Geauga County community to come together and support one of their own.
“We want this to be a true Geauga County home,” Michael says. “We need sponsors like 4 Seasons Construction & Roofing for all facets, including the foundation, electrical, plumbing, drywall, lumber, cabinets, flooring and finishes like paint, fixtures and lighting. Donations of materials and professional services are needed, but also financial donations and volunteers from the community to work alongside Laurie and her family to help them continue their life here. That’s really what Habitat is about.”
Laurie and her family have already established roots in Chardon. Laurie’s oldest son, Johnny, works in landscaping and construction, Timmy is now a Senior and Luke is in eighth grade. Isabella works and is a part-time student at Kent State University.
“Laurie is looking forward to the stability that owning her own home will bring to the family,” Michael says. “As a hardworking single mother, this program offers Laurie an affordable mortgage with zero percent interest making home ownership possible.”
Michael says they have to work hard to dispel myths, like the idea that Habitat gives people a house for free. In fact, Habitat homeowners pay a mortgage just as if they had a conventional bank loan.
“We invite the community to be involved in our efforts and witness first-hand that Habitat homeowners are just like them,” Michael says. “Sharing in their joy when we hand over those keys to Laurie is something the entire community should be a part of.”
For more information on Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity and how you can be a part of the story, call 440-226-3000 and check them out online at Lake-GeaugaHabitat.org.