The difference between a house and a home is a home is a safe, healthy environment where homeowners can raise their children confidently. For parents Richel and Jacob, it is hard to find an affordable home that meets these standards.
A house that is not a home may have many flaws such as structural problems or mold. Raising three boys in a house with holes in the cellar that are stuffed with clothing, or without insulation under the main floor is not an ideal situation for any family.
No family should have to live in such conditions, let alone one with a sick child. Richel and Jacob’s youngest son has a heart condition and had major surgery just last month. As any family could imagine, this made it difficult to manage finances, adding yet another obstacle to their search for decent, affordable housing.
Then they came to Habitat for Humanity.
“Jake and I both know that this is the miracle we’ve been waiting for,” says Richel.
Habitat for Humanity offers an affordable mortgage and sweat equity to offset the cost of the house through volunteer hours. Some of these sweat equity hours consist of the homeowners working on their own house.
Jacob is an employee of Whirlpool Findlay, who is sponsoring their fifth Habitat build to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
“I look forward to getting to know my co-workers and members from the community through the build,” says Jacob. “Our family is so grateful for their help and support.”
In a few short weeks, Richel and Jacob will be in their new Habitat home, creating lasting memories with a strong foundation for their family.