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Thank you for volunteering for this build! Your efforts will help the Brandon - Johnson Family with their dream of a safe, stable, and affordable home. We look forward to having you out on the work site. We promise your volunteer experience will be fun! 

Get to know the Brandon - Johnson Family. Read their bio below.

Family and Current Housing

The ministry of Habitat for Humanity embodies principles like sacrifice, selflessness, and brotherly love as communities come together to help their neighbors achieve the dream of homeownership. The same could be said for siblings Brenda Johnson and John Brandon who are working toward their own simple, decent, affordable place to call home. Brenda and John’s family moved to Canton when they were teenagers and Brenda has lived in the city most of her life. In 2011, John, who was living in Minnesota at the time, decided to move back to Canton to be closer to his sister andother family. It was during this time of transition that John, a successful businessman with a master’s degree, suffered a stroke that left him with numerous physical challenges and drastically altered his independent lifestyle. Brenda immediately stepped in and took full responsibility for John’s care. She honestly admits that there are difficult days, but her love and commitment to her brother allows her be strong for both of them. The siblings currently live in a two-story rental property which is a challenge for John who would be best served by a one-story home. The rental property also has minor structural problems including a bathroom floor that is rotten and uneven due to leaking. What concerns the siblings most, however, is the landlord’s threat to sell the property if any major repairs come up which would leave them suddenly homeless. As Brenda cares for her brother, her greatest desire is to secure a safe, stable place for them to live.

A Perfect Fit

Now that they have selected a lot in northeast Canton, Brenda’s dream of having a place to care for her brother is becoming a reality. Because of John’s limitations, Brenda has worked tremendously hard to complete the required Habitat sweat equity by herself. Although it is a lot of work, she enjoys having the chance to get out of the house, try new things, and meet new people. Brenda has completed all of her education classes and is thankful to have learned skills like saving, budgeting, and basic home maintenance and repair as she and John prepare to be a first time homeowners. As someone who loves the outdoors, Brenda is excited to plant flowers, decorate, and sit on the front porch of her new home. The siblings also look forward to having a place where they can host their children and grandchildren for birthday and holiday celebrations. “I’m so thankful for this,” Brenda said, “this is something I never expected would happen in my life. I never thought I was going to own my own home, and I thank everyone very much for giving us this opportunity.” 

6

hours pledged

99

volunteers
CLOSED

Location / Venue

  • Address:
  • 2251 2nd Street NE
  • Canton, OH 44704
  • USA
Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio logo
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.