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FAMILY AND CURRENT HOUSING
Future Habitat homeowners Paul Collins and Neva Ackroyd applied for the Habitat program in desperate need of a safe, decent, affordable place to call their new home. The couple currently lives in a rundown home in southwest Canton. Built in 1880, the home was purchased by Paul and his mother in 1989 for $7,000 as a quick housing solution when the business that owned their rental kicked them out to utilize the property differently. Although their hope was to make an investment by purchasing the home, it was already over 100 years old and had structural problems even then. Regardless of the efforts made by Paul and his mother, and now Paul and Neva, the house has since become so unsafe and dilapidated that it is scheduled to be demolished once the couple moves into their new home. One of the home’s many problems is mold throughout the bathroom, walls, and ceilings due to water damage from a leaky roof. The windows, floor, and framing are all damaged as a result of a crumbling and shifting foundation. In fact, the chimney and walls in the basement are literally falling away from the rest of the house. Several years ago, a tree fell on the entire front entryway and, due to lack of funds, Paul was left to simply board up the front of the house. In addition to all these problems, both Paul and Neva are deaf and would benefit greatly from a home that's equipped with doorbells, smoke detectors, and other alarms and accommodations designed for deaf occupants. These are all things that will be made possible when the couple completes the Habitat program and purchases their affordable, accessible home.

A PERFECT FIT
Since being accepted into the program, Paul and Neva have invested numerous hours of sweat equity by completing House2Home education classes and helping at Habitat ReStore and worksites. With the help of interpreters, Paul and Neva have been able to interact with other future homeowners, Habitat staff, and volunteers in meaningful ways. They look forward to the time they will spend on their own worksite, assisting with the construction of their house. But most of all, they look forward to having a safe, decent, and affordable place to call their home!

6

hours pledged

98

volunteers
CLOSED

Location / Venue

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.