Holmes Habitat for Humanity makes dream of home ownership a reality
Arie Hostetler puts some finishing touches on her new home in Millersburg, built through Habitat for Humanity.
Everyone deserves affordable housing, and Habitat for Humanity of Holmes County has made this dream a reality for many. Since 1995 when Habitat was formed in Holmes County, the exact number of the impacted has been 37 families: 57 adults and 95 children.
Mary Neutzling is the director of the Holmes County chapter. “There is a misconception about Habitat for Humanity. We provide a hand up, not a handout,” she said. "Homes are purchased with a 25-year mortgage. The real-estate taxes include tax dollars which support our community. The contribution for real-estate taxes is over $47,000.”
Families and individuals are chosen based on three simple tenets: need, ability to make affordable monthly payments and willingness to partner. Clients must complete financial classes through Love Inc. and receive a completed certification, as well as put sweat equity into the home. Also required is for the family or individual to work with a family support person who walks them through the year before and after their home is built. Not the least is the commitment to making the affordable, monthly mortgage payment.
Arie Hostetler is the recipient of the most recent Habitat for Humanity build, located in the village of Millersburg. Another misconception of Habitat for Humanity is that the recipient must be a family. Arie is a single, local woman excited to own a home of her own.
“I like Habitat for Humanity because they reach out to people who can’t afford homes,” she said. “They pray over the property and, once built, give a Bible to each individual in the household. I’m excited for my future home. I prayed about a home for years, and finally, it happened. I’m blessed that God brought me this far and am thankful for each one who has had a part in making it possible.”
Neutzling said her diverse board of directors has been a driving force in keeping Habitat for Humanity of Holmes County on an excellent path. “A good board is everything,” she said. “And ours has active members who really care.”
Neutzling has been the director since 2016, but before coming on board, she worked for the Holmes County Planning Commission and administered the Community Housing Improvement Program for many years.
Neutzling worked closely with Habitat in her prior position and injects expertise and wisdom into her role. “We want to help our families be successful homeowners,” she said.
To keep Habitat for Humanity of Holmes County thriving, they commit to building one house per year. The selected client is chosen several years in advance after going through an extensive process. Local builders and contractors have been involved for many years in Holmes County Habitat builds.
“Some of our contractors prefer not to be named,” Neutzling said, expressing gratefulness for their willingness to be a part of Habitat, engaging and using subcontractors to piece out the major parts of the job. “With busy lives it was difficult to get a home built in a timely manner. Using contractors, we’re able to have a family in their home in about 120 days."
Habitat depends on volunteers. They make up a large part of everyday happenings involved with a build. Habitat is built around volunteers doing a lot of leg work. Monetary donations, donations from local stores, restaurants donating food on workdays, and donated and discounted labor and material all add up to building an affordable home.
COVID-19 has changed that landscape for the time being. “We’re following all the guidelines,” Neutzling said.
With hand-washing stations in place and limited volunteers, being creative to achieve the set goals of the build has been a challenge. Even with a bit of upheaval, Hostetler’s home has been completed with the final touches being put in place.
Volunteer opportunities in the time of COVID-19 are still available.
“We’re always looking for people who can volunteer as a family support person. We’re also looking for people with marketing skills, as well as someone that can organize community fundraising efforts or even round up food by contacting local places,” Neutzling said. “We need land and are always looking for it. Incorporated village lots are preferred because it keeps the cost of building more affordable as a well and septic are not required. However, we have built homes in rural areas, but it does cost more and needs different planning.”
Habitat for Humanity and its slogan say, “We build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter.” Holmes County has had a positive reaction to Habitat, and Neutzling said she’d like people to know what they stand for. “We believe in helping our families and individuals gain the knowledge they need to love and maintain their home,” she said.
It’s a small thing, but when a home is completed and the homeowners receive their key at the public ceremony, Neutzling likes to hand them a toothbrush. “It’s a reminder that even the smallest cracks and crevices in a home deserve maintenance and love,” she said.
The best way to donate is by mailing a check to Holmes County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 418, Millersburg, OH 44654. For questions about applying, volunteering, donating and more, call Neutzling at 330-674-4663.