Habitat for Humanity... Creating New Homeowners

Habitat for Humanity chapters throughout Ohio undertake many projects in any given year. For example, for the past two years in a row, the Greater Columbus Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) chapter has built an entire house during the Ohio State Fair.

To help commemorate HUD's long-standing partnership with the organization, Columbus Field Office Director Thomas Leach, third from left in this photo, helped raise one of the walls of the new structure.

The Columbus chapter receives SHOP funds and Community Development Block Grant sub allocations for their down payment Assistance Program. They receive other non-monetary assistance from the City of Columbus and Franklin County. In addition, donations from corporations, churches, and individuals help make the homes possible. Numerous volunteers, including the families who ultimately move into the homes, help do the actual construction.

GCHFH is the only housing agency in Columbus that targets people in the 25-50% median income level. Volunteers from all racial and socio-economic backgrounds build the homes. The work they do is genuine and touches people in different ways. According to Bob Perryman, Executive Director, "the house is just the end product." Says, Bob, "It is the process of constructing the house that makes the difference - relationships are forged, communities are developed, and people become empowered to change their lives."