Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland (HFHGG), alongside future homeowners, Melesse and Habtam, invited the community to attend the Home Dedication Ceremony of the 89th home built by the affiliate. The dedication of the home was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 7.
Through shelter, Habitat empowers family partners to build the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to ensure a better life for themselves and their children. Habitat homeowners pay an affordable mortgage and may qualify for subsidies through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Melesse and Habtam both work full-time jobs and have four children in their household. They immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia seeking asylum from political turmoil. Habitat asked how they thought their family’s lives will change once they move into their new Habitat house.
They said, “[It will] provide a sense of pride, safety and privacy.”
These are all things many people may take for granted.
We like to say, “Habitat is a hand up, not a handout.” As part of their Homeowner Partnership Agreement, Melesse and Habtam were required to work 450 hours of sweat equity helping to build their own home and working in our ReStore. They also completed 16 hours of financial readiness and new homeowner training.
The Home Dedication Ceremony is a symbolic occasion where a family receives the keys to their new Habitat Home and the affiliate acknowledges the generosity of sponsors and the hard work of volunteer groups and individual volunteers who helped fund and complete the project. Rich Buquet, HFHGG executive director says, “The ceremony is an opportunity to recognize all of the prayers, hard work, sacrifice and dedication the family has put into becoming a homeowner, and also thank all of the wonderful sponsors and volunteers who have helped make this dream a reality.”
Since 1993, HFHGG has built 49 rehabbed houses and 40 new construction homes.
Attendees were asked to wear masks and practiced social distancing.