Back in 1994 when Shari and I first started on HGTV with our show “room by room” we both had the wonderful opportunity to be part of a build for Habitat for Humanity.  Several of us from the original cast of HGTV’s  hosts, folks like Kitty Bartholomew, Paul James, Pat Simpson, Carol Duvall and Bev DeJulio, gathered together in Knoxville to be part of HGTV’s Habitat for Humanity build for a deserving young family.

We spent two days helping construct a home from the cement slab up to the completion of walls, windows and the crowning touch the roof.  Shari and I rubbed elbows with all the wonderful hosts whom we looked up to as STARS!  My gosh, we were working with Carol Duvall; she was the queen of crafting.  Shari spent a break with Kitty learning a new knitting stitch.   I was given the privilege of constructing the roof trusses with the President of HGTV at the time and the man who made HGTV a reality Ken Lowe.  Ken and I worked together putting a roof on this wonderful new home.  To this day I kid him about his work shoes, a beautiful pair of Italian loafers.

But the best part of the whole experience, was standing at the front of the home, looking at what we had just accomplished, a group of volunteers and a hand full of expert builders and contractors, we built a home, a place where a family can live, work, play and dream together.  It was a moment that I’m sure Shari and I will never forget. 

Shari and I have participated in many Habitat builds since then, together and as individuals, and I’m sure we will continue… which leads me to our newest sponsor Habitat for Humanity of Summit County in Ohio.  I met with the Executive Director Rochelle Fisher several months ago and below is the story about her organization in Summit County in her own words.

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County
Building Houses - Building Hope.

“Habitat for Humanity of Summit County is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with local families through an ecumenical ministry to build houses and build hope in the community.  The organization, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, builds and sells homes to qualified partner families with zero interest. Through the generosity of many donors and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity has been providing safe, decent and affordable homes to families in Summit County for 23 years.”

“Since I began my career at Habitat for Humanity of Summit County in June of 2006, I have come to know the history, mission and vision that are shared with the community and Habitat partner families through the ecumenical ministry of the organization. I feel blessed to be a member of this wonderful group that has provided homes for more than 175 adults and 300 children in Summit County in the last 23 years.

As safe, decent and affordable shelter continues to be a growing need in our community, Habitat for Humanity has set its sights on building more homes and helping more families. With that, we call on you to join us in any way you can to help make a difference. We graciously accept financial donations for home sponsorship, donations of land, building materials, and of course, time working side-by-side with Habitat and our partner families as we bring their dreams to reality. Please consider joining us in our mission to eliminate poverty housing in Summit County.”

The above comments are those of Rochelle Fisher.

(In Photo, Homeowner Debbie Bailey and Family) 

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County

23 Years of Building Hope

• 145 homes built in Summit County

• 62 homes built internationally through a tithe to Habitat International

• Over 175 adults and over 300 children living in safe, decent, affordable  homes

• Hudson Coalition and Habitat Volunteer Builders Coalition have been  building homes for over 19 years

• More than 80 percent of partner families still have a mortgage with Habitat  and now have an asset for their family’s future

• Over 1500 volunteers work side-by-side with the families on the job site each building season

• Four generous estate gifts totaling over $700,000 have helped to build  many homes

• The first Golden Hammer Award was given to FirstEnergy for their  sponsorship support of nearly $1,000,000 in the last seven years

 (*In Photo, Congresswoman Betty Sutton)

If you’d like to help, contact Habitat at:

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County | 1177 Rosemary Blvd., Akron, OH 44306 | 330-785-2700 | hfhsummitcounty.org

W

e look forward to continue our relationship with folks like Rochelle and all of the Habitat for Humanity affiliates. 

J

ust one more thought; if you are interested in another way to support Habitat, visit one of their ReStore locations.  The Habitat ReStore sells new and gently used building material and household goods to the public at a deep discount.  All proceeds assist with the building of more Habitat homes. 

In Summit County visit their store at 1020 Canton Road, Akron Oh 44312 or call 330-784-2100.  To find a ReStore in your area, visit their website at http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx

I hope you have a chance to be a part of a Habitat for Humanity Build.  I will be looking for you and remember, wear comfortable shoes not Italian loafers!

Matt

 
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