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Tuesday, October 7, 2003

A Dedication of Hope in Michigan

Thanks to the tireless efforts of two prospective homeowner families and the efforts of many Habitat for Humanity volunteers in Kent County, the Boyd and Freeman families of Grand Rapids, Michigan, are now proud homeowners.

More than 40 individuals, including representatives from sponsors, supporters, friends and contributors and the Grand Rapids HUD Field Office, attended the August event.

The houses were funded through HUD SHOP dollars along with private, local banks, churches and other business/organizations donations.

One of the homes was a part of "Leadership Build," which involved numerous CEO's, presidents and other top management from corporations throughout Kent County who volunteered their time to assist in the construction. Also lending a helping hand for was Habitat's Care-A-Vanner group, which worked for nine days on the project.

Some of the most rewarding moments from the event were the comments by the new homeowners themselves. Tawanna Freeman told the gathering that her new home is "a blessing," while Tonya Boyd, also expressed her gratitude to the many volunteers and organizations that helped in providing her family a home.

Click on photo to see enlarged version:

Field Office Director Louis Berra lends a helping hand on the construction of the homes as a part of "Leadership Build" day.	Both homes are complete and the move-in begins!
Tawanna Freeman (far right) with her children, sister and mother nearby, joins in the happy dedication.	Tonya Boyd, flanked by her children, expresses her joy at becoming a homeowner. "My kids have a backyard to play in!"