Holmes Habitat dedicates home of the Whitman family

Every dedication for Holmes County Habitat for Humanity is cause for celebration, each one representing a new venture in life for a family that has put in plenty of sweat equity to become a Habitat homeowner, but the dedication for the Jen and Mike Whitman family in Millersburg on Wednesday, Nov. 22 was special for another reason.

This dedication marked the 40th home Holmes County Habitat has built, and HCHH Executive Director Mary Neutzling was excited as the organization reached a new milestone.

“What an exciting celebration,” Neutzling said. “We’ve had families who are so grateful for the opportunity, and this is really about getting families in decent, affordable homes. It is an incredibly amazing effort from our entire community.”

The newest Habitat home was built in partnership with Mike and Jennifer Whitman and their two sons Cruz and Chase.

Mike Whitman said they are more than ready to assume ownership of the home, and Neutzling said the Whitmans went above and beyond in putting in their sweat equity, working on the home whenever they could.

“The whole thing went by really quickly,” Whitman said. “I know the boys are very excited about
finally getting into the house, and we’re grateful to the people who helped make it happen.”

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 Humanity, which is used to build more houses.

Holmes County Habitat for Humanity families currently pay more than $40,000 annually combined in property taxes on their homes. They invest many hours of their own labor into building their homes and the homes of others.

“Each home has been a huge blessing for many people, but especially for the families,” said Pete Hilty, construction supervisor from Schlabach Builders, which has recently built many of the Habitat homes. “These families and the community put a lot of hard work into making these homes a reality, and while it might be easy to see this as a handout, it isn’t. This is a hand-up where we require families to make an investment.”

Seeing the smiles on the faces of the family and friends is a great reward, and so too is the commitment to walking alongside each family.

The dedication began with a welcome from Tiffany Stefano, Holmes County Habitat president. After a prayer by Holmes Habitat secretary Ryan Hershberger, Neutzling made the home presentation, which included the presentation of Bibles for each of the family members and the hammer and keys presentation signifying the Whitmans officially taking ownership of the home.

This home marks the second built on the lot owned by Holmes County Habitat between Elm Drive and North Washington Street on the north edge of Millersburg. Neutzling said a gracious patron donated the land, and that will allow Habitat to build several more homes there.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry.

While it is a Christian organization, Hershberger said they never try to push faith on any family, instead allowing that faith to shine through the building process.

“Faith is a big part of what Habitat for Humanity is all about, but we try not to push the faith on people,” Hershberger said. “We hope that people can see it and experience it through the building process. Sometimes we just plant a seed and hope that families can share in that with us and grow in their faith long after we are here.”

Hershberger said creating a board dedicated to exemplifying that faith through each build is imperative and added that they are seeking new board members with three board members currently preparing to retire.

Anyone interested in serving as a Holmes County Habitat for Humanity board member can write them at 6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, OH 44654, or call them and leave a message at 330-674-4663.

To learn more about Holmes County Habitat for Humanity, call 330-674-HOME or visit www.holmescountyhabitat.org. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 418, Millersburg, OH 44654. Volunteers with all levels of experience are encouraged to call for information on workday opportunities.