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The Daily Message
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Wednesday, September 29, 2004
When Habitat for Humanity brought their plans to construct a 12-home development
to the Wyoming Planning Commission in February 2001, they were met with a group
of residents opposed to its construction. Approximately, 75 residents submitted
a petition requesting the project be rejected, citing fears that the 12 homes
would destroy their neighborhood and decrease property values. Reluctantly,
planners approved the first phase of the proposed Millennium Plat indicating
they weren't in favor of it, but legally could not stop it.
Although the approval generated a considerable amount of neighborhood opposition,
Habitat officials included those concerned throughout the planning stages to
help ease their fears of blight from low-income housing development in the area.
The property was originally purchased from the Wyoming Public Schools with
students in the district's building trades program involved in the construction
of two of the houses. Each of the twelve homes was sponsored by various organizations
throughout the community, such as local banks, churches and businesses. Partial
funding of this development was through HUD's SHOP program with participation
during the building process by the Field Office Director at the first "Building
Blitz", which began in May 2002.
Today the development is a vibrant community and a welcome asset to the neighborhood
that once expressed its concern. Two of the families living here shared their
stories of what owing a home has meant to them.
Misk
and Heydar Sharif and five of their six children on the front porch of their
new home
Back Row: L to R Ahamadnur, 14 and Misk
Front: L to R Hindsar, 11 twins-Arafat and Fanusa, 7, Heydar and
front right, Amir, 6
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For Heydar and Misk Sharif, finding a place to live for a family of eight was
not an easy task. Heydar arrived in the United States from Ethiopia in 2000
and began working at a local plastics factory. He was here alone looking to
secure adequate housing for his family for two years. Most rental properties
were too small and he wondered if he would ever be able to bring his family
together again to join him. A coworker told him about Habitat for Humanity of
Kent County and their ability to provide homes, so he contacted them and submitted
his application. However, he never allowed himself to believe that this could
be true, that someone could help him build his own home. Even when Habitat called
to tell him he was accepted, he still did not believe. In June 2004 Heydar and
his family moved into a five-bedroom, two bath home of their own. Heydar said,
"It was a Dream Come True. Not only for my wife and I, but also for our
children. A place to play and study for their future."
Catalina
Roldan and her daughter, Ester, 14 in the living room of their home |
When you arrive at Catalina Roldan's home you are greeted with an array of
beautiful flowers on the front porch signifying the pride felt by this homeowner.
Catalina, originally from Mexico, says she is "Blessed from God to have
this house." Speaking in her native language, she talked of praying a long time for a home.
As a single mother of seven children, one with a long-term disability, she had
rented since coming to this country in 1989 and as her children began to grow
up and move away, attend college, and/or serve in the Marine Corp, she continued
to desire a home of her own. Renting was a further complication, as the home she
rented did not have a ramp, and it was a struggle to carry her growing and disabled
child in and out of the house.
Finally, after experiencing a fall with her daughter
on a visit to the doctor, she sought out a remedy by applying with Habitat in
December of 2001. In May 2002 construction began and in September 2002, she wheeled
her daughter up the newly built ramp and into her first home. Several young workers
from a local restaurant, a youth group and others from her church; 80 volunteers
on the first day alone, were involved in its construction. Catalina communicated
that she always thought the older people would help the young but the young have
shown and helped her and she was finally blessed.
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