Habitat for Humanity making the community better
COSHOCTON – Volunteers and community officials met Oct. 6 at the site of Habitat for Humanity of Coshocton County house number 14, for the groundbreaking service.
The home will be located at 303 North 15th Street in Coshocton and will be occupied by the Allnut family. Located on the site of the former Home Candy Company, the ceremony featured an opening prayer, special music, reading and turning of the dirt by Habitat volunteers Helen Scholfield and Alicia Hothem. The Rev. Terrie Baker led the group in the Lord’s Prayer and is the chairperson of family support for Habitat for Humanity of Coshocton County.
Helen Scholfield, who is the current Volunteer Board President for Habitat for Humanity of Coshocton County, said, “This is our 14th home in Coshocton County. We’re just finishing up house number 13. This will be the home of the Allnut family and they have three beautiful children and they’re very anxious to get going. They have already started working on their home equity hours and they’ve already finished their nutrition classes they are required to take. We are just thrilled to have them. They’re very energetic and full of life and they’re going to make a great partner family.”
“This site is the former Home Candy Company. We were able to secure four lots here at a sheriff’s sale so we’re going to have a nice little community here in the future. That even makes it better. Our purpose is to renew and rejuvenate neighborhoods and this gives us the perfect opportunity.”
“We always like to remind people that Habitat does not give these houses away. The family has a down payment, they come away with a mortgage just like you and I do. They have to put in sweat equity hours – we do not give these houses away. It’s a huge step for a family. We have even seen cases where the children start doing better in school because the children have a home of their own. It’s amazing what it does – just self-esteem.”
“We’re making the community better. It’s amazing and I love doing it.”
John Addy, who is the volunteer site supervisor for the home, said, “I just like doing construction. I always wanted to build my own house and since I can’t do that, I’ll build it for somebody else. I do it for the satisfaction of just helping people out.”
mark@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
