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We want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience when you volunteer with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. Please click here or keep scrolling to learn what you can expect before you begin.About the Varnadore Family
Family and Current Housing
Sidney was raised in Canton, where she continues to live today in the home she grew up in, having taken over the rent. After her divorce, she briefly moved to a townhouse to assist her sister with her nieces and nephews during the pandemic. However, the situation quickly became unaffordable and overcrowded for both families. Thankfully, the landlord of her childhood home allowed her to move back and resume rental payments. While Sidney is grateful to have a place to stay, the house comes with multiple challenges. Several windows don’t open, and others have air leaks. The ceiling sags in certain areas, and there are signs of water damage in both the basement and laundry area, where mold may be present. Additionally, several light switches are broken. Sidney’s biggest concern is the location. The house is on a very busy street in Canton, making it unsafe for her 7-year-old daughter, Avah, to play outside alone. Despite her efforts to find a more suitable and affordable rental, she has been unable to find a decent place for her family. Since joining the program, Sidney has actively participated in several sweat equity assignments. She is also currently attending homebuyer education classes, which cover important topics like financial wellness and home maintenance, equipping her with the essential knowledge she needs on her journey toward homeownership.
A Bright Future
Sidney has been working in human resources at Coleman Health Services for the past five years. When describing her daughter, Avah, she lights up, sharing that Avah is full of personality, loves singing and dancing, and dreams of becoming an artist one day. They enjoy spending time with their extended family and going on bike rides together. At their new home in southeast Canton, Avah hopes to get a dog, while Sidney looks forward to planting a garden. Most importantly, Sidney is excited about having a place to call her own and creating a more stable and nurturing environment for Avah.
About the Richards/Lidderdale Family
Family and Current Housing
James and Danette, along with their three children, are currently living in James’ parents’ home. Homeownership has always been their goal, and in an effort to save money and pay down debt, they moved in with family after leaving their previous private rental. However, when they applied for a conventional mortgage, they were denied, making their dream of owning a home feel distant. Life in the family home started to become increasingly difficult, as the overcrowded space—shared with eleven people—began to take its toll. James and Danette even have to share a bedroom with their youngest child. Desperate for a solution, they began searching for a rental, only to find that the high prices were far beyond their reach, making it impossible to save for a future home. Amidst the challenges, they found a glimmer of hope by applying to Habitat for Humanity’s ECO homeownership program—and were thrilled to be accepted. James and Danette have actively participated in several Habitat for Humanity events, lending a hand to other families on construction sites. They are also attending homebuyer education classes, which cover crucial topics such as financial wellness and home maintenance. These classes are equipping them with the essential knowledge they need as they work toward their dream of homeownership.
A Bright Future
Balancing work at Tractor Supply and Dunkin’ Donuts while completing the Habitat program has been a challenge for James and Danette, but they’ve found ways to involve their children in the process. The kids join their parents at various Habitat events, and even contribute to earning sweat equity hours by turning in their good grades. As a family, they all enjoy riding dirt bikes, hiking, and taking walks around local parks. Now, they’re looking forward to settling into their new home in Massillon, knowing they’ll finally have the space they need and won’t have to keep moving. James and Danette are not only thrilled to own their own home, but also eager to learn how to care for it through the Habitat homebuyer education classes, ensuring they can truly make it their forever home.
