Habitat for Humanity family enjoying new home
The Haley family spent Christmas morning in their new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program.
The family dedicated their home Sunday, December 15, with family, friends and Habitat for Humanity Fannin & Gilmer Counties volunteers.
The Haley family consists of U.S. Marine Kristen Haley and her three children Kinsley, Kason and Kaleb.
“In addition to becoming the owner of a beautiful and affordable home, there’s a unique satisfaction that stems from my participation in the build,” Haley said. “This house allows me to give my children more stability and gives me peace of mind. We don’t have to ever worry about someone deciding they no longer want to have renters, or that they want to sell the property. We are finally home!”
The Haley kids are also loving their new home and are excited for the change. Haley said, “This house gives us a home that we can call our own, a place where my kids can grow and make memories for years to come. They finally have a yard, where they can run and play safely. The kids have been anxiously anticipating our move. Every day since we spent our first night, my middle child, Kason, asks with excitement, ‘Are we going to our new home?!’”
According to Executive Director Chris Hall, Habitat’s Homeowner Selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria: The applicant’s level of need, their willingness to partner with Habitat and their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
“Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education,” he said.
He also discussed the importance of Habitat for Humanity in the community.
“Everyone deserves to build the foundation for a strong, healthy future for themselves and their families, no matter where they live or how much money they earn,” he said. “Even though we can only build one to two homes with 6 to 10 repair projects per year, at Habitat, we do our part with the support of so many folks and know that home isn’t just a building; it includes the community and resources in which we live, work and grow.
“Imagine if the nearly one in six households in the U.S. didn’t half to spend more than half their income on housing, had easier access to credit and more importantly were able to receive free education on what credit is, the right way to manage it, the importance of a home budget, etc. Affordable homeownership frees families and fosters the skills and confidence they need to invest in themselves and their communities ... Your home shouldn’t cost you anywhere near half your paycheck. Your home shouldn’t cost you your health. Your home shouldn’t cost you your kids’ education.”