Web posted
Monday, March 3, 2008
Seventh Habitat house opens
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Photo by Curt Freeland
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By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent
An Ark City family got to show off their joy in becoming home owners on Sunday, in an open house for their new home, built by Habitat for Humanity.
Construction on the house started last August. The home was built by Habitat for Humanity, along with help from many volunteers in the local area and the recipient family, the Meyers. The Meyers had to put in 300 work hours in order to qualify for owning the house.
The home sets at 1209 South Second Street. This lot was chosen by the mother, Ruthie Meyers, because of its location directly south of her parent's house.
"I think it's wonderful," said Meyers.
The 1300 square foot home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The homes are designed and built by Habitat for Humanity according to each family's needs. The family receiving the house pays a 20 year mortgage and a reduced price.
"It's not a 'give-me' program," says former Habitat president, Wayne Short.
He said this makes a huge difference in the effect the program has on the recipient family. "It's not our house; it's the home owner's house," said Short.
Short was president of the Habitat for Humanity Board for three years. He was replaced by Curt Freeland, whom Short deemed "very talented" and "very capable."
Freeland enjoys working at Habitat for Humanity.
"It's a blessing to have an opportunity to be involved with it," said Freeland, adding, "It makes a big difference in the lives of people."
He tells a story about a recipient family where neither parent had high school degrees when they became home owners. After the family moved in, both parents got high school degrees; the father continued on to college.
"What a difference it can make in confidence by being a home owner," said Freeland.
The Meyers family is very happy with the home. "I'm glad we're getting it," said Meyers' daughter, Cheyenne. Meyers called the experience "amazing" and "exciting."
This home is the seventh house that Habitat for Humanity has completed in Ark City since 2000. The proceeds from the sale of this home will go toward the next house.
Above: Ruthie Meyers, center, is surrounded by her children, from left Blake, Seth, Hunter and Cheyenne, in their new house Sunday.
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