Habitat completes 200th home in Washtenaw County
As Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley celebrates its 28th year, it also celebrates the completion of its 200th house. The 200th Habitat home was completed in the spring of 2017 for the Wheeler Family. The milestone house also marks the 10th house renovated and sold in the Holmes Road neighborhood since 2013.
Habitat was founded in Washtenaw County in 1989. The first homeowner family closed and moved into their home in 1990. Habitat Huron Valley has been fulfilling its mission to create affordable homeownership for Washtenaw County families of low-income for the past 28 years.
“The completion of our 200th home marks a phenomenal milestone in our history and growth to strengthen communities,” said Executive Director Sarah Stanton. “We believe that by building strong homes, stable communities emerge and create a better environment for our community members.”
Sponsors of the 200th home include all guests from the 2017 Bid to Build Auction & Celebration who contributed to the Raise the Roof portion of the evening and Pro-Face America by Schneider Electric. Pro-Face America has contributed over $7,500 financially and spent volunteer days working on the home.
The 200th house is the future home of the Wheeler Family, who have been living in a one bedroom apartment for two years. Elijah and Marissa Wheeler met at Washtenaw Community College, have been married for five years and recently welcomed their first child, Elijah Jr. They have outgrown the apartment with their first child and rent has increased every year. The apartment is also not energy efficient causing higher electric bills.
“We are thankful that Habitat approved us to be a part of the home ownership program,” said Elijah. “We are ecstatic that we will finally get a place of our own where our family can continue to grow. We are thankful for this experience and opportunity with Habitat. Also, we give a special thanks to our friends, family, and the volunteers who participated on this house.”