Holmes County Habitat dedicates Marks family home, celebrates 41st build

One more family has a quality place to call home in Holmes County.

Holmes County Habitat for Humanity held dedication service No. 41 for its most recently completed home Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. The home was built in partnership with the Cory and Zari Marks family and is located at 571 Elm Alley in Millersburg.

“It’s very exciting to see a project come to completion,” said Laura McCartney, executive director of Holmes County Habitat for Humanity. “What makes it even better is gathering together and celebrating it with the family, volunteers, donors and our board.”

On this evening there was plenty to celebrate as Cory, Zari and their two children Delilah and Atticus were joined by the Habitat board members, family and other supporters.

McCartney presented Bibles to each family member and said while she was thinking about the family, it was difficult to hold her emotions in check because this was the first home build in which she served as executive director.

“How can you not get emotional when everyone has invested so much and we’ve gotten to know each other so well,” McCartney said. “They are such a great family, and the emotions run so deep because over the process you see the mind shifts and trust shifts that take place between everyone involved, and it is such a neat thing to experience.”

During the evening Cory Marks said this was one of the best things that has ever happened to him, knowing his family now has a safe home and space for his children.

McCartney said the house is now a home filled with love and laughter, which was evident as the children ran through the home showing their rooms to anyone available.

She said it is meaningful to see Zari bringing in the items that make each room special because they have her touch in them.

“Seeing them make this house their own home is special,” McCartney said. “That is always fulfilling.”

Habitat for Humanity partner families purchase their homes from Habitat on the closing date, which is shortly after they move in. The homes are sold to the families at no profit to Habitat and with no interest charged.

Their mortgage payments go into a revolving fund for the affiliate that is used to build more homes. Holmes County Habitat for Humanity families currently pay over $40,000 annually in property taxes on their homes, reinvesting into the local community. They dedicate many hours of their own labor, known as sweat equity, into building their homes and the homes of others.

Family No. 42 is already on tap, that being the Cassandra and Chase Fry family with their children Cali, Chandler and Caylee.

"They’re such a neat, hard-working family,” McCartney said. “They are already eager and ready, but they are also nervous. There was plenty of chatter between them and the Marks during the evening as they learned more about the process. What better way to connect than to talk to a family who has just gone through what you’re about to experience.”

The Fry family will now have an opportunity to pick among the four current Millersburg properties in the Habitat fold. McCartney said the organization is always on the lookout for affordable lots to purchase to add.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry. To learn more about Holmes County Habitat for Humanity, call 330-674-HOME or visit www.holmescountyhabitat.org. They are currently looking for more lots/land to purchase for future builds. To help or make a monetary donation, they can be mailed at P.O. Box 418, Millersburg, OH 44654. Volunteers with all levels of experience are encouraged to call for information on workdays and other volunteer opportunities.

“I strongly encourage anyone who may be interested in learning more about Habitat to join us at the dedication, see what we are all about firsthand,” McCartney said.

She said there is a great deal of satisfaction in helping others realize their dream for their family, when that family puts so much sweat equity and love into the process.