‘Most defiantly a blessing’ | Families celebrate completion of 3 home built at once by HoCo Habitat for Humanity
‘Most defiantly a blessing’ | Families celebrate completion of 3 home built at once by HoCo Habitat for Humanity
After putting in hundreds of hours working to build their homes, some of those families say its a blessing to finally be homeowners
HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Earlier this year, Houston County Habitat for Humanity secured enough funding to invest in an unprecedent step forward in their mission to help supply people quality, affordable housing.
They announced they were building four homes at once, something the chapter hasn’t done before.
Three of the homes sit on Orchard Way in Warner Robins, which is zoned to the organization’s revitalization neighborhood.
On Saturday, August 17, the non-profit gathered with some of those families to celebrate completion of the new residential dwellings.
Jessica Bembry, a mother of two, said this purchase gives her the power to create a better life for her family.
“I’m nervous, I’m happy, I’m just ready to start a new beginning,” Bembry said.
Bembry said that, before securing this property, her family stayed in public housing and she feared for her babies’ lives.
“We lived in housing apartments and a lot goes on over there, like shooting and stuff, so my kids couldn’t come out like normal kids because I was scared that they might get shot,” Bembry said. “…Now I feel like they can just come out and enjoy in their own yard and not worry about is a bullet gonna hit them or not,” Bembry said.
For Bembry, she said this means she can take her dreams of hold. The new homeowner will receive her high school diploma in November and is looking for a new job.
“Just doing a lot of stuff to better myself and put a smile on their face,” Bembry said.
HOCO Habitat for Humanity said they love seeing families thrive through this partnership.
“Were setting them up for the rest of their lives with a very affordable mortgage and they learn how to take care of their home,” Houston County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Bill Goggin said. “Its just a great program, there’s nothing else like it.”
He said homeowners contribute sweat equity, which means they invest volunteer hours to pour back into their local Habitat for Humanity projects.
For some, families this could be their own property. Sweat equity tasks varies from family to family.
Bembry said its a blessing to seek homeownership, while housing costs sky-rocket.
“You cant find anything for a decent price to live in to be comfortable with your kids because everything is so expensive now,” Bembry said. “So its most defiantly a blessing to have habitat and places like that.”
HOCO Habit for Humanity said the families will close on their houses this week. They add, the fourth home in Perry, is nearing completion.
The next slated for construction on Orchard Way will be sponsored through their veteran housing program.