SNOW HILL –Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc. welcomed its 17th partner family at a dedication ceremony on June 18 in Snow Hill.
The new homeowner, Jessica Spence, thanked Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, her pastor and family who helped her to achieve her goal of homeownership.
“I just kept thinking … when, when, when, would this [homeownership] happen for me? Then it happened and I really felt like I was doing something. This is for me but it’s really for my kids,” said Spence who is a Snow Hill native and works within the community as a home healthcare aide.
“My kids love their new house; they love their rooms. My girls love the kitchen because it’s big enough they can spin around like ballerinas,” said Spence when asked what her children like best about their home.
Members of the Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County Board of Directors, Executive Director Andrea Bowland and Worcester County Commissioner Judy Boggs attended the dedication in support of the Spence family. Following a blessing of the home, Spence and Boggs cut the ribbon that hung across the front porch entry, concluding the dedication of the home to the Spence family.
Spence purchased the home from habitat with a zero percent interest loan, and the monthly mortgage payments will go toward future affiliate projects. As part of the Habitat requirement, Spence also completed a homeownership education course. The Spence family, as with all Habitat families, is in the process of performing hundreds of hours of “sweat equity.” These hours help to facilitate Habitat’s needs in an economical way, foster a sense of volunteer activism, and ensure that families play a vital role in furthering Habitat’s mission.
“We are so pleased to welcome Ms. Spence and her children into the habitat family. From the beginning of the process, Ms. Spence has been so enthusiastic. Her determination and desire to become a homeowner to better the lives of her children is what Habitat’s mission is all about,” said Bowland.
Reflecting on the process of becoming a homeowner, Spence would encourage others to contact Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County.
“The process is long but it’s worth it. You are not only gaining a home, you’re gaining knowledge,” she said.
Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc. is currently seeking new homeowners, existing homeowners for critical repairs and rehabs, and volunteers and sponsors as part of its 20th Anniversary annual appeal campaign, “20 Families in 20 Years.” The next project slated is a critical repair on a home in Berlin.
For more information, on becoming a volunteer, sponsor, or partner family, visit the affiliate’s new website at www.habitatworcester.org.