FAMILY AND CURRENT HOUSING
Future Habitat homeowner, Deanna Denbow, moved to Dalton three years ago after getting a job in the Wooster area. Since then, however, she changed jobs and now works for a similar company in Canton. Although she loved her new job, the change of employment resulted in a 45 minute drive to and from work each day. When Deanna decided to relocate closer to work for a shorter commute, she applied for a conventional home loan but was denied because of credit issues. In addition to being unable to secure a conventional loan and having a long commute to work, there were several issues with Deanna’s home in Dalton. The rental only had two bedrooms and at the time of application, both of Deanna’s children resided with her. Water damage to the kitchen ceiling, difficulty regulating air temperature, and bees that had nested in her bathroom walls made Deanna even more convinced it was time for a change. Around that time, Deanna heard about Habitat’s homeownership program from a friend and co-worker who successfully completed the Habitat program and purchased a home for her family in 2016. Deanna decided to follow in her friend’s footsteps, applied, and was accepted into the program. She has since moved to a new rental in the Massillon area while awaiting the completion of her Habitat home – something she eagerly looks forward to!
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Although Deanna can sometimes be a bit shy, she is a hard worker and has already invested numerous hours of sweat equity on worksites, at ReStore, and in education classes. In addition to completing the weekly Habitat requirements, Deanna works full time as a clinical assistant to a spine surgeon in Canton. Deanna understands that for now she is making a short term sacrifice of time and energy to invest in her long term goal of homeownership. Deanna is looking forward to the feeling of accomplishment that will come with rehabbing and purchasing her own home. She hopes that this journey will bring her family closer together and provide her kids with a safe place to call home no matter where they are in life.
