The Volunteering Page of Lynn Phillips

Before You Volunteer: Please scroll down to learn more about what to expect when you volunteer with Habitat. Please also know that Habitat will monitor local and federal health and safety guidelines and implement any applicable restrictions that may be in place on the day you volunteer.

Family and Current Housing

Future homeowner Tomeka Cundiff and her two children are currently living in a small, two-bedroom private rental apartment in Canton. When they first moved in, Koree was an infant so sharing a room with Tomeka was not an issue. However, Tomeka knows they will soon outgrow the apartment and she would love to have a place for her children to grow and thrive. The apartment has several plumbing issues: a constant drip under the kitchen sink possibly caused by a loose connection in the faucet; the bathtub leaks out onto the bathroom floor; and the bathtub faucet has a constant, cold water drip which results in cold showers/baths. The property management company knows but has not addressed any of these plumbing issues. The bedroom windows are nailed shut and the only A/C unit is in the living room which means the bedrooms become very hot during the summer months in this top floor unit. The living room window has cracked glass, heavy condensation between panes, and black mold. Not long ago there was a bedbug infestation that started in the common area and laundry space then spread to the entire building. Extermination seemed to get rid of the bugs, but Tomeka fears it happening again. After hearing about the Habitat program from friends and family, Tomeka decided to pursue this opportunity for herself. “The house we’re going to build is going to be a foundation for our family,” explained Tomeka.“It will be the breeding ground for memories, parties, my children being able to entertain their family and friends. It’s going to be a wonderful thing to bring our family together!” Tomeka has two children, six-year-old Jessiah and two-year-old Koree. Jessiah is already showing signs of being a good athlete and little Koree is a sweet, outgoing toddler.

A Bright Future

After joining the program, Tomeka hit the ground running as she began completing hours of sweat equity at ReStore, on worksites, and in House2Home education classes. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside other Partner Families, meeting new friends, and learning their stories and why they came to Habitat,” said Tomeka when talking about what she enjoyed so far about the Habitat program. In addition to completing the Habitat requirements and raising her children, Tomeka works hard to provide financially for her family. Although she is balancing a great deal right now, Tomeka is committed to making a short-term sacrifice for the long-term benefit of owning a home and accomplishing dreams like planting her own garden. She has nothing but gratitude for those helping her accomplish these goals: “I would just like to thank everyone sincerely - you are all blessings!” exclaimed Tomeka. “There are no other words to express the gratitude of allowing me and my family to be partnering with the Habitat program.”

6.25

hours pledged

3

volunteers

CLOSED

Location / Venue

Add to Calendar
Address:
1632 23rd Street Northeast
Canton, OH 44714
USA
Time:
Jul 02, 2021 8:00am - 2:30pm

In Support of Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio

As a grassroots Christian housing ministry serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio is driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. People partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, visit habitateco.org.