Whitman family eager to partner with Habitat for Humanity
The Whitman family including Jennifer, left, Chase, Cruz and Michael dig their golden shovels into the earth, signifying the first groundbreaking for their new Habitat for Humanity Home in Millersburg.
In a time when land and home purchases in Holmes County are difficult to come by, Michael and Jennifer Whitman and their 10-year-old twins Chase and Cruz feel blessed to celebrate the newest Holmes County Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking.
On Monday, July 17, the family gathered in Millersburg with family, friends and many Holmes County Habitat members to celebrate the groundbreaking on the Habitat property along Elm Street.
“We are so excited because we never expected this to happen to us,” Jennifer Whitman said, adding this is the second round of applications they have gone through with Habitat. “We are willing to do whatever it takes to make this work, and we’re excited to add some of the little details inside the home that really will make it ours. Everyone keeps telling me that once it starts, it goes really fast, so we’re eager to get started.”
After Holmes County Habitat President Tiffany Stefano offered a welcome to all in attendance, Pastor Mike Stinson of Faith Bible Church offered a prayer, and after Holmes County Habitat family support member Lisa Hochstetler introduced the family members, Stinson shared a message about the blessings of a family making a house a home.
“Over the next few months, this land will be transformed,” Stinson said. “The ground will give way, and out of it will rise a foundation and then a house. This ceremony represents the physical foundation we will build that includes hopes, dreams, prayers, laughter and tears, and phases of life as you learn and grow together.”
He went on to talk about how the foundation of the home is much like the foundation of faith that underlines everything the family will do including building relationships and loving each other through ups and downs.
“Having a roof over your heads is important, but what comes into your mind when you think about Christ will impact your home forever,” Stinson said.
He then told the parable from Matthew 7 that talks about building their foundation on solid rock, which will withstand all storms.
He said just as a well-built home requires careful planning and attention, so too does the foundation of faith.
“Jesus never promised us that we would have a perfect life, “Stinson said. “He never promised that we would be free from financial hardships and struggles. What he did do was promise to be present for those who believe in the Bible.”
Linda Campbell then shared scripture from Matthew 7:24-27, sharing further about building a strong, lasting foundation.
“We want you to know that Habitat wants to be part of that strong foundation,” Campbell said. “As you transition, keep your faith in God and let him be your foundation moving forward.”
Then construction supervisor Pete Hilty handed out gold shovels to the four family members, who dug in and celebrated the groundbreaking.
Holmes County Habitat board member Ryan Hershberger provided a closing prayer, and the first step toward a new home was complete, allowing the two children to scamper up to the large playset area located right up the hill from what will be their new home.
Holmes County Habitat Executive Director Mary Neutzling said Holmes County Habitat continues to build one new home per year, meaning one family has benefited from the generosity of Habitat and Holmes County volunteers for the past three-plus decades.
“This has been a remarkable partnership between Habitat, our partnering families and the community that comes together to make this all possible,” Neutzling said. “Our hope is that we can be a blessing to our families and help them walk through the homeowners process. We are thrilled to be able to share this dedication with the Whitmans today.”
While celebrating with the Whitmans, Neutzling said Habitat is already focusing on their next family.
“We are set to begin taking applications for next year’s partner,” she said. “We will do that through the whole month of August.”
Applications may be picked up at Park National Bank at 225 N. Clay St. in Millersburg. The minimum a family can make to apply is $30,000.
Habitat also accepts donations, with close to $60,000 coming in last year.
“These donations keep our homes affordable for families,” Neutzling said.
Most homes have a 25- to 30-year mortgage with house payments at approximately $500 per month including real estate taxes and insurance. There is never interest applied. Grant dollars around $26,000 also help keep the cost of the homes down.
If anyone would like to learn more about Habitat for Humanity, become a financial contributor, serve on one of the many committees or receive information about applying to become a partner family, they can call 330-674-HOME or send an email to director@holmescountyhabitat.org.