Home 13 (July 1, 2011) for the Chillicothe Area Habitat for Humanity

OUR 13TH HOME
Information and photos about our homes come from articles published by the Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune.

Habitat for Humanity: Family Looks Forward to Building New Home
July 1, 2011 CT
C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

CAPTION: The family of Laura and Ubaldo Navarrete, along with members of the Chillicothe Area Habitat for Humanity organization, gathered at the site of where a new home will be built at 1547 Polk Street for the Navarretes. The family consists of Laura and Ubaldo Navarrete and children Ava, 4, and Oliver, 1 (gathered in front, center).

The Chillicothe Area Habitat for Humanity was organized in 1997 and built its first home in the following year. Today, the local chapter has constructed 12 homes.

Finding an available lot on which to build a Habitat home was a challenge this year. "We are very grateful for the donor of the property," said local president Norma Hussey. "Talk about an answer to prayer."

Meet the Family
The family of Laura and Ubaldo Navarrete have been chosen as this year's Habitat for Humanity family. The family consists of Laura and Ubaldo and their children, Ava, 4, and Oliver, 1. In the last four years, the Navarretes have moved five times, often because the homes they had rented ultimately sold. Now, the family is looking forward to having a home of their own. "I think we are more excited for the kids," says Laura. "Each time we move into a new home, Ava asks, 'Do we get to keep it?' This time, I can say, 'Yes.' " Ubaldo is employed at Premium Standard Farms in Milan.

Selection
The Habitat for Humanity Selection Committee chooses homeowners based on the level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the no-interest loan within 20 years. Recipients must put in at least 125 hours of sweat equity labor toward building the home.

There were four applicants for this year's Habitat home. The Navarretes best met the criteria of family selection, based on need, affordable, decent housing, according to Habitat President Norma Hussey.

How to Help
Habitat for Humanity is always looking for donations of time, money and materials. Volunteers need not be skilled builders, but possess only a desire to help. Individuals on site will assign tasks that best meet a volunteer's abilities. Those wishing to donate time or money may contact Norma Hussey at 646-7777, or Joyce Eddy or Lindy Lile at 646-1417.

The next home: Habitat is planning the selection process of the next family this fall. Flyers announcing the date and time for the application meeting will be distributed at the schools and inserted into the newspaper, Hussey said.