Wayne County family receives Habitat home

A new home built through Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County was recently dedicated to Cardell and Astoria Fields, marking both a milestone for the family and a tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, whose decades-long volunteerism helped define the organization’s global mission.

The Orrville home, a new construction project, was completed through Habitat’s established partner-family model, which pairs affordable homeownership with hands-on involvement from future homeowners. The Fields family was selected through a structured application and engagement process that prioritizes sustained interest, financial readiness and housing need.

“In our partner family pipeline, families call in monthly to express continued interest, and over time, that helps determine who receives the next round of applications,” said Aaron Cochrell, assistant director of Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County. “From there, we review finances, conduct a home visit, and move through a committee and board approval process.”

Once selected, partner families commit to 300 hours of “sweat equity,” contributing labor to Habitat projects including their own home while also completing homeownership education. The Fields family followed that path, helping bring their house to completion over approximately 10 months, from groundbreaking to move-in.

While Habitat homes are not custom-built, families provide input on features such as siding and cabinetry selections.

“They have some say in how the house is built,” Cochrell said. “It allows them to have a sense of ownership in the process while still keeping the homes affordable and efficient to build.”

Habitat for Humanity serves as both builder and lender, offering zero-interest, 30-year mortgages to partner families. Monthly payments are reinvested locally to fund future builds, creating a sustainable cycle of homeownership opportunities.

The home dedication also served as a tribute to Carter, who, along with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, became one of Habitat for Humanity’s most recognizable advocates. Carter began volunteering with Habitat in 1984 and continued until his 90s, helping to build, renovate and raise awareness of affordable housing projects around the world.

Local leaders said the impact of Habitat homes extends beyond individual families, contributing to neighborhood revitalization and long-term community stability.

“One single house at a time can make a big difference. This is like a dream come true for our community,” Orrville Mayor Matt Plybon said. “It not only provides a home for a family, but it also helps strengthen the neighborhood, which was once part of the former Oak Street School property, and it encourages continued investment.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County, visit www.waynehabitat.com.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.