Homeowner Testimonials
Praises for the ReHOUSE program:
Dear Spencer and Tom,
We can't thank you enought for the great experience we have with both of you, your crew members and the volunteers you borught to the deconstruction project on Belmont Road. The whole thing, from beginning to endm went better than we expected. Not that we thought it would be a drag; it just happened to be exceptional in every day.
We look forward to further experiences with Athens Habitat and will continue to sing the praises of a project that was a win/win for everyone. We are grateful for your help.
Sincerely,
Ed and Dianne
Praises for the affordable housing program:
"I, being a recent recipient of a home through Habit for Humanity, can truly say that my dream of being a homeowner came into realization after becoming introduced to this great organization.
Although I had turned to other venues of home ownership, it was not until putting in my application and having my home visit in December of 2007 did I really believe that it could truly happen. With the economic hardships of today; and seeing how families in a much better position of being a home owner than I was, kept me full of doubt that I could obtain this goal of home ownership. But with prayer and much faith, my ship did sail, and a new beginning in my book of life began to be penned.
I will certainly say this was not a handout! Athens Area Habitat for Humanity does not just say "here you go, you have a new home". After meeting with Spencer and other staff member of Habitat, I was assured that yes, you made the first step (doing the application) and Habitat made the second step (approving the application) but the real journey was just beginning. It was with great pride that every weekend I arose from a good nights rest and dressed for the occasion. Not a shirt and tie (as is my daily wardrobe for work), but in sweats and work boots, accessorized with work gloves and a towel, I made my pilgrimage to Waddell Street to give my part in the building of my new home. What pride and joy filled my heart.
It was a great journey, and one that is not soon to end. I looked forward to preparing meals on weekends for all the generous volunteers that came out to give a helping hand in my new home. Most I had never seen before, and some were family and friends that wanted to share in my dream. We laughed together many times, especially when I would make comments such as: When one worker asked me for two pennies, and I went into my pocket and said, I only have two dimes. Everyone in hearing range of my comment burst into laughter. I wondered why, and then Mr. Songster said, Reggie, they mean penny nails. My response was I never knew there were so many different kinds of nails. I thought a nail was simply a nail-didn't know they had real names.
My journey was one not only filled with pride and joy, but an extremely educational journey for me and my family. My daughter had the experience of hammering nails and using a saw, she experienced painting too, but mainly packing. Packing food into our car for the meal for the workers on Saturday, packing supplies of water and snacks to take to the worksite during the week, and yes, packing our apartment in preparation of our move into our new home.
Finally the dream was over, after doing a benefit concert for Habitat and finishing reaching our goal of "sweat hours" I had to wake up. Wake up to the realization that yes, I am now a home owner. I can now say with deep heartfelt pride.."Come to MY HOUSE for dinner. It is the one of best feeling I've ever had. The excitement just last month, the idea of being able to celebrate our first Christmas in OUR home, WOW what a feeling.
As we embark on a new day in America, with a new leader and new ideas. As we move to embrace change, let us never forget that Habitat for Humanity has already started laying the foundation on which the Walls of Hope will stand. Where the roof of love and compassion is to cover, and with grace and meekness will fill the area. We join in this celebration tonight, looking at what we have ahead, the challenge of continuing to take a dream, and make it a reality. We join together tonight to echo the words heard and embraced by so many..."Yes We Can". Because we can make a difference...one nail at a time! We can keep hope alive and we can make dreams come true.
So tonight I say to Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, don't stop hammering, don't stop sweating, don't stop doing what you do, keep your hand on the plow, and when its all said and done, Well done thy good and faithful servants, Well Done, will be the words you hear for your labor was not in vain.
Thank you and God Bless.
Reginald Willis
Habitat Homeowner"
Praises for the EHARP program:
"I am writing this letter in regard to the ramp that Habitat build for me in March. I cannot tell you the appreciation I feel to be able to get out of the house once again. The men were very kind and seemed very knowledgeable about their trade. I hope you will continue to do this for others. My family finances were so bad there was no way in sight we could have ever done...So please consider this.. and continue to build ramps and get sunshine on people's faces."