Habitat for Humanity breaks ground in Wooster

A groundbreaking ceremony on Lucca Street in Wooster marked more than the start of another Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County home. It also highlighted the collaboration among the City of Wooster, Habitat, the Wayne County Reutilization Corporation, known as the Land Bank, and community partners to expand affordable homeownership in the local community.

Habitat officials, community supporters, local elected leaders and future homeowner Carrol Way gathered recently to celebrate the start of construction on what will become Habitat’s 97th home in Wayne County. The project represents the second Habitat groundbreaking of 2026, with another home planned on the neighboring lot.

“With the Land Bank and the City of Wooster working together, we are able to take properties that might otherwise sit vacant and turn them into opportunities that benefit families, neighborhoods and the entire community,” said Land Bank President and Commissioner Jonathan Hofstetter. “This is a perfect example of a governmental collaboration that provided a family with a new home of their own.”

For Habitat Wayne County Executive Director Beth Weaver, the project reflects a growing need for affordable housing throughout the county.

“Wayne County continues to attract residents because of its quality of life, employment opportunities and community atmosphere,” Weaver said. “At the same time, rising housing costs have placed homeownership beyond the reach of many working families. Habitat’s waiting list currently includes dozens of prospective applicants, some of whom have spent years pursuing the opportunity to purchase a home through the organization.”

Unlike traditional homebuilders, Habitat works to make homeownership attainable through affordable, interest-free mortgages while requiring partner families to invest 300 hours of sweat equity. Habitat leaders explained that each home is sold for less than its actual construction cost, with charitable donations helping bridge the gap and keep monthly payments affordable.

Way, who will share the home with her daughters, described the project as the fulfillment of a goal she never thought possible on her own.

“It wouldn’t have been possible,” she said. “But together as a community, we can make it happen. And we are.”

Way, a single mother who has spent years providing for her family, said homeownership will offer something many families take for granted — permanence.

“We finally have a place to call home,” she said. “We can hang what we want on the walls. We can make changes if we want. It’s ours.”

As Habitat approaches its 100th home, officials are also evaluating future housing models to address growing demand and make efficient use of available land. Those discussions include monitoring innovative housing developments in neighboring counties while continuing Habitat’s mission of creating affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.

“Without each and every piece, the puzzle and the picture are incomplete,” Habitat Assistant Director Aaron Cochrell said. “It really wouldn’t be complete without each and every one of our partners taking a part and allowing us to see that full picture come into view.”

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.