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e 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.
e 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.
Family and Current Housing Brenton and Sherrie, along with their three children, made the decision to relocate from Dayton, Ohio, to Stark County several years ago in pursuit of enhanced academic and athletic opportunities for their family. Initially leasing a home in Canton, they were disheartened to discover that the residence did not meet the needs of their entire family. Consequently, Brenton and Brenton Jr. devoted a month to renovating the single-family home, making it habitable before Sherrie and the younger children could join them. However, their current living situation still presents various challenges, including mold, outdated electrical systems, inoperable windows, and a ceiling that sags due to water damage. Structural issues, such as a broken back porch and foundation problems in the basement, further compound their living conditions. The family’s size necessitates creative sleeping arrangements, with Brenton Jr. often having to make do with the basement or the living room when he returns home from college. Compounding their concerns, the neighborhood’s safety is compromised by their proximity to a known drug dealer, and the local park has a history of violence. In response, Brenton has taken to conducting prayer walks in the neighborhood, believing that this has contributed to a reduction in violence. Despite these formidable challenges, Brenton and Sherrie are actively addressing their housing situation by participating in the Habitat homeownership program. Engaging in mandatory homebuyer educational classes covering crucial topics like financial wellness and home maintenance, they are equipping themselves with essential knowledge for their journey towards homeownership. Additionally, they have demonstrated commitment by contributing sweat equity hours to help other Habitat partner families construct their homes, demonstrating resilience and a proactive approach to improving their circumstances.
A Bright Future The Walkers find joy in cooking together and leading an active lifestyle, often partaking in nature walks and sports activities. Their commitment to faith is evident, with regular attendance at church, where Brenton plays the drums, and family prayers are a central aspect of their routine. Sherrie characterizes her children as gifted individuals, noting Brenton Jr.’s prowess in writing as a student at Walsh University, Tavion’s excellence in singing, and Riley’s diverse artistic talents. In their professional lives, Brenton serves as a driver and installation tech for Xerox (ComDoc), while Sherrie takes on the role of a homemaker, overseeing the household. Sherrie faces unique health challenges as she has been diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition impacting both her hearing and vision. Coping with these challenges, she relies on hearing aids and navigates vision-related obstacles. These health concerns significantly contribute to the family’s search for a safe and comfortable home that can better accommodate their specific needs.
Location / Venue
- Add to Calendar
- Address:
- 410 Watson Place Southeast
- Canton, OH 44707
- USA
- Time:
-
Jun 07, 2024 8:15am
to
Oct 05, 2024 2:30pm ET
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.