Family Selected For Habitat Home

Family Selected For Habitat Home
Ashley Zlotorzynski and her family have been selected after a thorough review process for a new home through the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Submitted Photo

BERLIN — Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County announced this week construction will begin this fall on a new habitat house in Bishopville, fulfilling a long-held dream for the home’s future owner.

Ashley Zlotorzynski of Ocean Pines learned in March that she had been selected for homeownership.

“Owning my first home is everything to me,” Zlotorzynski says. “It’s the goal I’ve had and what I want to do for my children. They’ve been through so much and they deserve something to call their own. It’s a dream come true, really.”

Applicants underwent a rigorous review process by Habitat’s Family Selection Committee, and must demonstrate a need for better housing and be able to meet income/payment requirements on the new home. The selected family must also put in 400 hours of sweat equity hours by working on the construction of their own home, attending financial management classes, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. When the home is completed, families purchase homes through an affordable mortgage.

“Habitat for Humanity helps families achieve stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership” said Andrea Bowland, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County. “We are grateful for the donors and sponsors whose generosity has made this opportunity a reality for Ashley and her family.”

Funding comes from a variety of sources, including individual donations, sponsorships, in-kind donations and grants. Habitat was recently funded $40,000 from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and $5,000 from Merrill Lynch, a Bank of America Corporation, to go towards the construction of the new home. Habitat is continuing to fundraise and seek house sponsorships as well as in-kind donations.

Habitat has many opportunities to volunteer on the Bishopville build, at the ReStore, in the office or assisting with critical home repairs. Anyone interested in participating or donating to the Bishopville Build should call 410-208-4440 or go to www.habitatworcester.org.