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family and current housing
After living in government housing for most of her life, Habitat Partner Family Ashley Bell is ready for a home that she can call her own. Ashley has lived in her current SMHA (Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority) duplex for the past two years. Her current rent for the duplex is not considered technically as excessive for her income; however, Ashley is frustrated that every time she works overtime or gets a promotion to get ahead financially, her rent increases which foils her plans to save the extra income. Her frustration led her to look into securing a home loan from her bank. Unfortunately, Ashley’s credit history disqualified her from receiving the traditional home loan. Her current home has a few structural problems, including loose door handles on the main entry doors, a kitchen sink that frequently backs up and needs repaired, and porch steps that are pulling away from the house. Ashley is also concerned about her neighborhood because the house sits on a back alley with lots of foot traffic with people being rowdy at all hours of the day. While thankful for the housing SMHA has provided, Ashley is ready to make the transition to homeowner and provide her adopted goddaughter, Ja’Riah, with a home that is safe, decent, and stable.

a bright future
Throughout her time in the Habitat program, Ashley has proven to be a hard worker and dedicated to making her dream of homeownership a reality. She recently completed the ten week House2Home education series where she learned valuable skills regarding homeownership, maintenance, and personal and financial wellness. Ashley’s friendly personality and quick humor has made her a joy to work with on worksites, at ReStore, and in education classes. Although it sometimes seems overwhelming to balance raising Ja’Riah, working fulltime as house manager with members of the Developmentally Disabled community, and completing the Habitat program, Ashley is committed to making a short term sacrifice for the long term benefit of owning a home. When asked what she looks forward to most, Ashley’s answer was simple but true, "I am looking forward to owning something that is truly mine.”

6

hours pledged

72

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.