Synchrony | Build Sponsor for the Bailey Family logo
family and current housing
At Habitat for Humanity, we love seeing individuals in our community make a commitment to rewrite their family’s story by working hard to achieve their dream of homeownership. That often means overcoming painful mistakes and events of the past, diligently seeking change, redemption, and hope. Marie Bailey is one such individual. Unlike most Habitat families, Marie will not be a first-time homeowner. Years ago, Marie purchased a home that she soon realized had many structural issues, including a severe mold problem. Eventually, the home was condemned by the city, foreclosed, and demolished. This was a difficult time for Marie who felt she failed as a homeowner. Wanting a fresh start and having several neighbors who were Habitat homeowners, Marie applied for the Habitat program, only to be denied for debt and credit issues. Marie took time to improve her financial standing with the hope she would someday qualify for a Habitat home loan. Her hard work paid off and Marie qualified for the Habitat program in the late spring of 2017. Currently, Marie and her five children live in a Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority scatter site house. The home has termite damage to the floors which are now sinking in some places. There is also water damage and holes in the kitchen ceiling because of a leak in the upstairs plumbing. The home is difficult to heat, and there is damage to the gutters and downspouts which has contributed to flooding in the basement. The flooding has been severe enough to lead to bad mold in the basement – something Marie was hoping to avoid after the problems in her previous home. Micheal and Tyler have both graduated from high school, Samantha and Alexis are at Early College Academy middle school, and Jacob is a kindergartener at Heritage Christian. The Bailey family is a close-knit group that enjoys camping, swimming, and movies.

a bright future
During her months involved in the Habitat program, Marie has invested numerous sweat equity hours on worksites and in House2Home education classes where she learned valuable skills regarding homeownership, maintenance, and personal and financial wellness. Marie looks forward to completing sweat equity on her own future home. In addition to raising her children and completing the Habitat program, Marie provides financially for her family by working in the childcare field. Right now, her schedule is quite busy, but Marie knows she is ultimately making a short term sacrifice for a long term gain. When asked what she looks forward to about being a homeowner, Marie responded, "Having a place that’s ours and that we helped build. We will be safe and in a healthy environment."

4.5

hours pledged

96

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.