Last weekend marked a new chapter in the lives of one local family.

Habitat for Humanity is a spiritually based nonprofit that works to create homes for families in need. The program has spread nationwide and Warren County is fortunate to have its own branch. 

Habitat homes are not free. Homeowners make an affordable payment for the home monthly over a 25- to 30-year term after its completion and put in “sweat equity” during the building process.

“It’s so exciting to have my home now,” said new homeowner Sarah Ford. “It’s kind of overwhelming. I’m so excited, though, because all of the hard work and stress is over with and now we can just enjoy it. I almost cry each time I leave. My apartment doesn’t feel like home, but being here does.”

The pandemic proved to be a hurdle for Ford to clear, as many places altered volunteer policies to stem the flow of COVID-19, which in turn affected how she could complete volunteer hours required by Habitat.

“The hardest part of this whole process was volunteering because I had a hard time finding places that would let me bring my daughter,” said Ford. “With COVID going on, a lot of places wouldn’t let me bring her. I finally found some places that would let her come with me and I was able to complete my hours.”

This struggle was well worth the result, according to Ford, as she got to see the fruit of all the labor put in by all involved. Having lived in apartments for the past seven years, she was elated to be able to call herself a homeowner. A ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion last Saturday.

“I parked at the very end of the road today because I’m so used to living in an apartment where I don’t have my own driveway,” said Ford with a laugh. “I’m not used to having that.”

Receiving this opportunity to be a homeowner couldn’t have come at a better time as Sarah welcomed a son, Rad, into the family just nine days before last Saturday’s dedication. “I’m looking forward to being able to raise Rad here instead of in an apartment,” she said, citing the many downsides that come with apartment living, such as sound from neighboring units.

Sarah was able to choose many of the details that went into her home, such as the flooring and wall colors. “I love my cabinets and how they match throughout the house. But, by far, my favorite part of the house is the yard,” she said. “It’s so beautiful with all the trees and it’s so big. Having that for my kids to play in is the biggest blessing. I’m looking forward to planting some flowers back there.”

“We are so incredibly grateful for this opportunity from Habitat and I appreciate those who helped us get here,” said Ford. “I’m also thankful to United Methodist Church, The Black History Museum and the library for letting me bring Lyric and complete my volunteer work hours when other places couldn’t let me bring her.”