Homeowners

2009 | April

Burgos-Heredia Family

Edgar Burgos and Julia Heredia were accepted as a partner family in July 2008. They completed over 350 sweat equity hours—200 hours over their required minimum. Their income qualified them for the Tier Two level of homeownership, in which the partner family secures a low-interest mortgage with a lender of their choice. Their daughter, Laura, graduates from QCSD in 2009, and their son, Paolo, who lives in Colombia, hopes to join them soon. The family was unable to afford a home in today’s market; they previously lived in a small, two-bedroom apartment in a crowded, noisy apartment complex. Their third-floor apartment was increasingly burdensome to Julia, who suffers with arthritis. Hearing about Habitat a couple of years ago, they referred friends to the program before realizing that they themselves qualified—now their friends will be their neighbors.

 

Kuremsky Family

Ruth Kuremsky was accepted as a partner family in January 2009. She and her son, John, completed 125 hours of sweat equity in two months. Ruth's income qualified her for the Tier Two level of homeownership, in which the partner family secures a low-interest mortgage with a lender of her choice. Ruth has spent the last 35 years in the same mobile home neighborhood in Quakertown, working in the Quakertown School District and at Quakertown’s Farmers’ Market. And then her son came home from Arizona with his son—and living quarters got tight. Living as long as she did in one place, she is very courageous in taking the journey toward homeownership—hesitant at first, then so excited we couldn’t have had settlement any sooner. Now, John and Chandler have their own rooms, no longer sleeping on bunk beds, and Ruth has a home large enough for her family to flourish.

 

Zander Family

Alice Zander was accepted as a partner family in January 2008. She and her daughter, Beniah, completed nearly 300 sweat equity hours. Beniah, who is too young to work on the construction site, contributed many hours toward their overall sweat equity requirement through her academic and community achievements. Alice's income qualified her for a zero-interest mortgage through Habitat Bucks; she works for a local affiliate of a national non-profit. The family previously lived in an apartment in Quakertown. They experienced safety concerns that are all too often affiliated with large apartment complexes, such as parking lot theft, no security around the complex, and roaches. They also experienced regular increases in their rent. As a homeowner, Alice now pays less each month for her mortgage payment than she paid in rent, and that include taxes and insurance.

 

 

2009 | February

 Pinilla Family

Between being accepted in May 2008, and starting their sweat equity hours, Sammy, Yazmin and Sammy Jr. welcomed baby Joshua to their family. When Sammy and Yazmin came into the Habitat office to discuss filling out their homeownership application, Sammy shared his reason for coming to the United States: as a young Colombian, he had been given an American dollar. He was so impressed that a country would print “In God We Trust” on their money, that he knew he had to come live here. Sammy and Yazmin logged more than 100 hours of sweat equity, and friends and family helped them reach the 150* hours required for their family. They secured a low-interest mortgage through the Emerald Hollow Two homeownership program. They went to settlement on their home February 4, 2009. Now he and his family are living the American dream.
*Double heads of household are required to complete 150 hours for the Emerald Hollow Two model.

2008 | October

Moskauski Family

Patti Moskauski met Family Program Director, Stefanie Clark, in March 2003 at an Emerald Hollow open house. Patti maintained contact with us while she worked on her economic self-sufficiency goals through the Bucks County Opportunity Council. She has since graduated and is working as an LPN and was accepted into our homeownership program in October 2007. With the support of the Salvation Army, Bucks County Opportunity Council, her church family at Quakertown United Methodist Church and her friends, she has finally succeeded in reaching the very first goal she listed when she started at BCOC: owning a home. Patti, along with friends, completed more than 100* hours of sweat equity, and Patti secured a low-interest mortgage through the Emerald Hollow Two homeownership program. When she moved into her home in October 2008, Patti's daughter, Talya, had started her freshman year at Cedar Crest College and her daughter, Moriah, started first grade.
*Single head of household is required to complete 100 hours of sweat equity under the Emerald Hollow Two model.

2008 | August

Karanja-Kaguima family

Daniel Karanja and Milkah Kaguima had been spending too much of their monthly income for their two-bedroom apartment, which accommodated their children, Irene, Alex and their newest addition, Charles. But a two-bedroom, overpriced apartment is all that they could afford in Bucks County, even on two incomes. Daniel is employed at a hospital and Milkah works for a non-profit organization that serves people with special needs. They applied for the homeownership program with Habitat for Humanity and their income qualified them for a zero-interest mortgage. They have been working diligently to fulfill their 375-hour sweat equity requirement. The family went to settlement August 6th on their three-bedroom home in Emerald Hollow.
*Double heads-of-household are required to earn 375 sweat equity hours for the EH1 model of homeownership.

Fisher family

Corey and Marybeth Fisher, along with their daughters, Rebecca and Madelyn, lived in a small apartment in Perkasie. The master bedroom functioned as more of a hallway than a bedroom. It was the only access to the laundry area and the girls’ bedroom. Corey works two jobs and Marybeth goes to work in the evening, once Corey is home to care for Rebecca and Madelyn. They are making ends meet, but are still unable to afford to buy a home in Bucks County. Their income qualified them for the homeownership program with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, in which they purchased their home at cost and secured a low-interest mortgage with an outside lender. The Fishers were accepted into the program August 2007. They completed their 150 hours of sweat equity and went to settlement on their home in Emerald Hollow August 11th. They have more room for their family, with three bedrooms, and are now in a neighborhood with lots of children.
*Double heads-of-household are required to earn 150 sweat equity hours for the EH2 model of homeownership.

2008 | June

Horst family

Jeannie Horst was living in an apartment that was not well kept by the landlord, and she was given a set of rules that went well beyond the normal tenant-landlord understanding. These “rules” included that Jeannie was not permitted to shower every day, and she couldn’t have any guests. When she applied to the Habitat homeownership program, Jeannie said she was very much looking forward to the independence of owning a home. Working two jobs, in the school system and in a retirement community doing maintenance and housekeeping, Jeannie has been budgeting and saving for this new adventure into homeownership. She can not afford to buy a home in Bucks County on her own, but she qualified for a zero-interest mortgage through Habitat, and purchased her home at cost. Jeannie exceeded the 250-hour sweat equity requirement, which is necessary to meet before going to settlement. She moved into her home in June, and has already had guests over to celebrate her new space.

2008 | February

Allen Family

Jessica Allen is a single mom who lived in Sellersville with her daughter, Lillian, and Jessica’s mother and stepfather. Living quarters were tight, though manageable—at least they had a place to live; but, Jessica dreamed of owning a home, a place in which Lillian could grow. Jessica purchased her home on February 20th; all present could not ignore the enormous smile on her face and the excitement of achieving this goal! Jessica’s income made her eligible to purchase her home at cost, with a low-interest mortgage.


Lewis Family

Kelly Lewis’s motivation for purchasing a Habitat home wasn’t about her own needs; it was about her daughter’s. Kelly and her daughter, Ivonna, 3, lived in Perkasie with Kelly’s mother, stepfather and siblings. While Kelly dreamt of being a homeowner, she wanted a place for Ivonna to be able to grow and flourish in her own space. She has the support of her family and Ivonna’s father, as she continues to pursue her goals with the knowledge that dreams do come true. Kelly moved into her home at the end of February. She secured a zero-interest mortgage through Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County on the home she purchased at cost.


Staats Family

Brian Staats was a single guy living with his parents in Perkasie, while working at a non-profit human services organization. He applied for the Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County homeownership program because he wanted to buy a home and move out of his parents’ house. On his salary, Brian could not qualify for a traditional mortgage, much less find a home in an affordable price range. His friend, Ryan Clymer, had recently been accepted into the Habitat Bucks program, so Brian gave it a try, and qualified for a zero-percent-interest mortgage. After he was accepted and started working on his 250-hour sweat equity requirement, Brian met and fell in love with a wonderful woman who is now his wife. Melissa was soon introduced to the Habitat “family,” attending events and contributing sweat equity along with Brian. Brian and Melissa purchased their Emerald Hollow home in February, very eager to get into a living space much larger than their tiny, one-bedroom apartment, which used to be Melissa’s alone.

2008 | January

Dorn Family

Living in a home with carpenter ants, wolf spiders, and musty old carpeting that the landlord wouldn’t remove would be difficult for the healthiest family. One of Lee Dorn’s children is asthmatic, and Lee had no better option than to rent this living space, though she could barely afford it. In January, Lee and her children, James, Devon, Sydney and Shelby moved into a healthy, clean and affordable home in Emerald Hollow. Lee and her family were originally accepted in August 2006 for Habitat Buck’s zero-interest mortgage program, which would have provided her with a mid-unit home. While the entire family eagerly achieved their sweat equity hours, Lee was able to improve her finances enough to request a switch to the low-interest mortgage program, and the bigger, end-unit house.

2007 | September

Deng Family

Garang (Joseph) Deng came to Habitat Bucks from Sudan by way of a Kenyan refugee camp and a partnership with Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton, whose members sponsored him and other “Lost Boys” to re-establish themselves in the United States. Joseph and his friends have done so with much success. Joseph’s goal of owning a home was not so much a fulfillment of his American dream, but to reunite his family. By having a stable home, the U.S. will hopefully grant him the ability to bring his mother and siblings to the U.S. Joseph applied to the Habitat program July 2006, and was accepted at the beginning of 2007. Joseph moved into his new home in September and will continue his efforts to bring his family together again. He is looking forward to welcoming his family and his girlfriend, Martha, home.

2007 | August

Andrew Family

Brian and Tarah Andrew, with their children, Kassidee, Chaise and Mollie, moved from Oklahoma to Bucks County to help provide care for Brian’s father. When they started looking to buy a home, they found that living near their parents would be unaffordable. Their search continued, and they moved in with Brian’s parents to save money. Brian and Tarah submitted their application in March 2006; they were offered conditional acceptance in June and formal acceptance in January 2007 under the EH2 model of homeownership. They fulfilled their 150-hour sweat equity requirement* in seven months and secured a low-interest mortgage on the home they purchased at cost. In August, they moved into their spacious end-unit home in Emerald Hollow, just a few miles from their parents.

*Double heads-of-household are required to earn 150 sweat equity hours for the EH2 model of homeownership.

2007 | June

Ngaruiya Mwangi Family

Stephen Ngaruiya and Mercy Mwangi applied for the Habitat Bucks homeownership program in March 2005. The Family Selection Committee voted to accept them on June 13, 2005, and two years later, they purchased their home on June 12, 2007. During those two years, they were able to work alongside about half of their Phase II neighbors; they were able to move from a one-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom apartment in the same complex in Bristol to accommodate the birth of their daughter, Tabitha, who joined her very proud brother, Brian, in the family; and (this is the reason why they didn’t get a home until later in the project and appreciated the ability to work on their sweat equity slowly), Stephen completed his schooling and received his Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree. Stephen and Mercy completed 377 hours of sweat equity, and are very happy that their journey toward owning a house has finally led them home.

2007 | April

Maina Kamau Family

Stephen Maina and Mary Kamau, with their daughter, Saritah, very happily moved from a one-bedroom apartment in Quakertown to their brand-new, three-bedroom townhome in Emerald Hollow. They welcomed Habitat into their lives, and into their custom of incredible hospitality, serving a Kenyan breakfast of sweet potatoes and tea during their acceptance meeting. The family applied in October 2006 and settled on their new home April 23, 2007—a week before their lease was to run out. Now they enjoy welcoming their neighbors into a home that accommodates many guests—and much happiness, love and laughter.

2007 | March

Ndungu Mungai Family

James Ndungu and Margaret Mungai, their five-year-old daughter, Suzie, and one-year-old daughter, Winnie, moved out of their cramped and poorly maintained apartment into a three-bedroom home in Cluster 12 of Emerald Hollow. James and Margaret could not afford a to buy a home in Bucks County through a traditional mortgage, but buying their Habitat home at cost with a low-interest mortgage has helped make their dream come true. With a little help from some friends, they finished their 150* sweat equity hours in three months, while each working full time and going to school at night. Margaret is earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree from LaSalle University. James is working on his graduate degree in Mathematics from Temple University.

*Double heads-of-household are required to earn 150 sweat equity hours for the EH2 model of homeownership.

2007 | February

Kamel Saman Family

Younan was living with his brother and family in a two-bedroom home in Warminster while he waited for his wife, Marian, to join him from their home country, Egypt. Younan quickly worked toward his sweat equity goals, completing the required hours in just over two months—doing so by taking vacation days from his two jobs. Shortly, Marian arrived in the United States, and the family was eager for their settlement date. Six months after acceptance into the program, Younan and Marian moved into their three-bedroom home in Emerald Hollow, beginning their life together as home owners.

*EH2 program requires families to secure a low-interest mortgage

2006 | December

Ngorimo Family

Simon and Mary Ngorimo, together with their children, four-year-old, Joel, and 22-month-old, Juliet, moved into their spacious, three-bedroom home in Cluster 12 of Emerald Hollow. They were living in a one-bedroom apartment in Bristol with a rent payment more than what their new mortgage payment. As well as becoming familiar with the community during their many hours of earning sweat equity, the Ngorimo family is now neighbors with current and future homeowners with whom they have been friends for several years—and even on a different continent! As a two-head-of-household family, the Ngorimos fulfilled a total of 375 hours before purchasing their zero-interest home from Habitat. In less than four months, with a few donated hours from friends, the Ngorimo’s hit their goal of finishing half of their hours, at which point they learned that they would be in Cluster 12. The Ngorimo home is a Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity-sponsored home.

Kaufman Family

Henry Kaufman is a single dad who was living in a basement apartment with his four-year-old son, Benjamin, in Quakertown. “With Habitat’s aid, my dream of homeownership is so close—to leave behind unstable and threatening conditions and move a step closer to the kind of life I wish my son to experience,” wrote Henry on his application. He is so uncomfortable with letting his son play outside that he often goes to nearby fast food restaurants so Benjamin can play on their equipment. He and Benjamin learned that they will be living in Cluster 12 after completing 125 hours of sweat equity in just over three months time—with no donated hours from other persons. Their mortgage payment for their brand-new, three-bedroom townhome is more than $100 less than their rent for their two-bedroom, basement-level apartment. The Kaufman home is a Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity-sponsored home.

(Single-head-of-household families are permitted a total of 125 donated hours toward their minimum goal of 250 hours of sweat equity by the time they purchase their new home with a zero-percent mortgage from Habitat.)

2006 | September

Kniele Family

Mary and her son, Joseph, shared a small apartment in Quakertown. Mary had been trying to buy a home, but she found that she truly could not afford it. She was considering applying for homeownership through Habitat, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to take the step. She met a mortgage specialist at an open house who works on Habitat’s family support committee. He encouraged her to apply for the program, and she did. Mary was initially offered a conditional acceptance, which required her to complete a program-required financial goal before formally entering into the Habitat Bucks partnership. She met the requirement in seven months and then started her sweat equity requirement, which she finished in four months. After moving into her home, Mary said she now realizes that while she was physically building her home, she was also building stability for her family.

2006 | August

Bergey Family

Heather Bergey has been doing her best as a single mom to Hannah and Jacob. But she knew that if the county’s section 8 rent subsidy stopped (it is currently halted for those applying for it), her rent would no longer be affordable. Heather decided to be proactive and applied for Habitat’s homeownership program, which would provide her with a mortgage payment around $650—much less than her current total rent payment. Heather was accepted in May 2005. She began her sweat equity hours in October—working quickly and completing 60 of her 250 hours in the first two months! Heather and her children moved into their new home in June 2006. The Bergey home was sponsored in part by a grant received from Lowe’s through Habitat’s Women Build program.

2006 | July

Clymer Family

Ryan Clymer is no stranger to the Upper Bucks area, having lived in Perkasie his entire childhood. He and his wife, Mary Beth, recently moved back into the area from Texas, with their daughter, Jillian in tow. They were living with Ryan’s parents. They applied for Habitat’s program knowing they could not afford a home through traditional means and found affordable financing for their Emerald Hollow Two model home (requiring a low-interest mortgage, as opposed to a zero-interest mortgage). The Habitat staff enjoys listening to Mary Beth’s Alabama-accent, though her ingrained and gentile use of “ma’am” continues to surprise our Yankee ears. The Clymer’s moved into their new home in June 2006.

Hillegas Family

Marie and her daughter Brielle, and son Justin, were renting an old farm house in Quakertown. Though it was very nice, Marie wanted to own a home for her kids, so they wouldn’t need to move all of the time. She could not afford a home in Bucks County on the open market but the Emerald Hollow Two model of homeownership allowed her to buy her home at cost, and to secure a low-interest mortgage, which she could afford. Marie was initially offered a conditional acceptance, which required her to complete a program-required financial goal before formally entering into the Habitat Bucks partnership. She was formally accepted into the program in April 2006 and completed her sweat equity hours in three months.

Ramos-Rugliancich Family

Maria Ramos and Juan Carlos Rugliancich (ROO-glee-ahn-SEECH), with their six-month-old son, Juan Carlos, Junior, will soon be moving from Juan’s parent’s home in Quakertown into a home of their own—their dream of being their own family in their own home will come true this May. Maria and Juan Carlos were initially offered a conditional acceptance, which required them to complete a program-required financial goal before formally entering into the Habitat Bucks partnership. Their goal was very quickly achieved. But, even more amazing is the fact that Maria single-handedly completed half of the family’s goal of 150 sweat equity hours in less than a month (families do not know which house will be theirs until half of their hours are completed)! As Juan Carlos worked two full-time jobs, Maria was seen in the office and on site several days a week throughout March (and April).

2006 | June

Abreu Family

Angel Abreu has three children, Rangel, Angel Jr. and Rosbel. They were living in a two-bedroom apartment in Bristol; so space was tight. Once the children’s mother, and Angel’s wife, Rita, was able to join them at the end of 2006, the household would be even tighter. However, they have moved into a new place—a three-bedroom townhouse of their own in Emerald Hollow. The Abreu family purchased their new home in June with a zero-percent mortgage, a goal they have been pursuing very actively since August—completing 77 of their total 250 hours in September alone! The Abreu home was sponsored by H&R Block.

Lentz Family

Living in Bucks County is a wonderful thing—but it is expensive, keeping many families from their dreams of homeownership, including John Lentz. He was renting a Doylestown townhouse for himself, his daughter, Madison, his girlfriend, Bobbie Jo, and her daughter, Donna. When they moved into their Habitat home, they gain an extra bedroom, more square footage and $150 savings in their housing costs. John states, “This program gives me and my family an opportunity to create a new life for ourselves.” John and his family were accepted in April and moved into their home in June 2006.

2006 | May

Alexander Family

Deb Alexander and her twin sons, Nicholas and Ryan, currently live in her parents’ home in Quakertown. When her mother entered a senior care community, the family realized that the family home would need to cover the costs of her care. That left Deb and her boys facing an expensive housing market where renting or buying would be unaffordable. With the purchase of their Habitat home, the Alexanders have found an affordable home and a happy community for the boys to play. Deb was initially planning to purchase a mid-unit home in Cluster 15, but recently made a decision to buy an end unit in Cluster 14—a great deal for both the Alexanders and Habitat.

2006 | April

Myers Family

Robin Myers and her daughter, Heather, had expected to stay only a couple of months when they moved in with Robin’s Dad in 2004. Unfortunately, the housing market extended her stay indefinitely, until she partnered with Habitat in 2005. She was living in his Quakertown home, which he built on property that has been in the family for generations. Heather was also attending Penn State University in McKeesport. She was looking forward to a place all their own—and taking all of their belongings out of storage, as well. Robin was the very first Habitat family to purchase her home in Phase II.

Moore Family

Cheryl Moore is no stranger to moving—having moved out of her own home into her parents’ within the past few years. However, her next move was special—she and her daughter, Hannah, moved into their new Habitat home in April. Cheryl was originally offered conditional acceptance in 2004 requiring her to complete a goal before formally entering into the Habitat Bucks partnership, which she did within seven months time. Since then, Cheryl earned more than 500 sweat equity hours—well over the current hours requirement of 250, because she began the partnership during the Phase I program. She has overcome many financial and personal obstacles in her life the past several years, and eagerly awaited the fresh start for Hannah and her.

Policastro Family

Susan Policastro and her son, Robert, were living with her sister in her two-bedroom Doylestown townhouse. Susan was been sleeping in the finished basement so her son could have his own room. Having lived in her childhood home for 25 years, Susan longed for the day she would be able to provide the same stability for Rob—“for him to plant his feet in one house and know that it is his house.” The Policastro Family was initially offered a conditional acceptance, which required them to complete a program-required financial goal before formally entering into the Habitat Bucks partnership. Susan was able to reach her goal within three months and began her sweat equity hours soon afterward. Susan is also the first Habitat family to utilize the closing cost assistance program of the Bucks County Housing Group.

Stiles Family

Sherry Stiles and her son, Jay, of Telford, were initially offered a conditional acceptance which required them to complete a financial goal before formally entering into the Habitat Bucks partnership. Through her dedication and hard work, Sherry was able to ensure her financial stability and happily began her sweat equity hours at the end of 2004. Like the Moore family, the Stiles family has achieved well over the current hours requirement of 250, because they began the partnership during the Phase I program. And like the Moore family, they have been waiting especially long to make their Habitat house their new home. Jay has been an amazing support to his mom, doing every bit of sweat equity he could, and aching for the day he is old enough to work on site—even if that means volunteering on site after they move in (and it is no longer required).

2005 | February

Johnson Family

Monica Johnson and her daughter, Lily, previouslly lived in Pineville with Monica’s parents and brothers. Monica’s father participated in the NARI Blitz Build of Cluster 3 in December 2003. Monica is most looking forward to having a place for Lily and her to call their own, and especially to have their own rooms. Monica was accepted in March 2004 and has completed over 500 sweat equity hours to achieve her goal of a home that will be a foundation for the rest of their lives.

Kelsh Family

Sarah Kelsh and her son, Tyler, were originally accepted through a conditional acceptance that allowed her to fast-track into Habitat’s homeownership program once she achieved some goals, which she did quickly and well. Sarah and her son, Tyler, were living in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Quakertown, but just recently moved in with Sarah’s parents in Green Lane to save up some extra money before calling Emerald Hollow their home-sweet-home. Sarah hoped for a home of her own so that Tyler would have room to play and explore, an impossibility in such a small apartment. Sarah and Tyler are the highlighted family for the Hope152 Campaign. Sarah completed her conditional acceptance in July 2004 and has completed over 540 sweat equity hours.

Schwartz Family

The Schwartz family, headed by Angela and Brian, have been renting a small home in the Quakertown area for over 14 years. On Valentine’s Day, they will become homeowners, with room for their two sons, Brian, Jr. and Justin, to thrive. While they at first didn’t think it was possible, they will be purchasing an end unit home through Habitat’s Tier Two model because Angela’s boss supported their dream and knew well the importance of homeownership. Backed by her boss’s commitment, QNB was ready and able to provide them with the home loan they needed. The Schwartz family was accepted in October 2004 and completed over 113 of their required 100 hours of sweat equity.

2005 | May

The Funez Family

Edilberto and Norma Funez are Honduran immigrants who have been living and working in the United States for over 10 years. They will be receiving their green cards this coming year. Edilberto and Norma will be moving into Cluster Seven End Unit #30. Their two children, Corina, 8, and Edilberto, Jr., 5, will hopefully celebrate their May birthdays this year in their new house. Joining them will be newborn Baby Funez, who is expected to join the family in mid-April. They currently live in a small, two-story, two-bedroom apartment that was once half of a two-car garage. The other half of the garage is still in use. With four people, and one on the way, in such a tiny place, a bigger house is a necessity. They are very excited about the opportunity to purchase such a large, affordable home in the Quakertown area, which is where they’ve made their home for the past several years. They have lots of support, especially from their church family at Pennridge Full Gospel Tabernacle. The Funez family applied in October 2003 and were accepted in December 2003.
      
The Grossov Family

Sergio and Ana Beatriz Grossov will be living in Cluster Seven Unit #32 with their two children, Nicholas, 9, and Barbara, 4. The Grossov family hails from Brazil, though Sergio spent most of his life her in the U.S. before moving back to Brazil for several years. This family of four is squeezed into a small, two-bedroom apartment in Chalfont, which urged them to look for other housing resources. As a single-income family, they were restricted by their mortgage approval, but found the perfect opportunity in Emerald Hollow’s Interfaith homeownership model. Sergio’s background in construction and Ana and the kids creative spirit have helped them progress well over their 100 required sweat equity hours. Sergio currently works two jobs to support his family. They were accepted in June 2003.

The Brockington Family

Natasha Brockington is a single mom of three from Warminster. She and her children, Baashirah, 11, Nyjerah, 5, and Zyon, 18 months, will be moving into Cluster Seven Unit #31. Natasha is a graduate of the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Program, which she utilized to help her create and use a manageable financial budget, reduce her debt and increase her credit scores. Natasha was accepted into the Habitat homeownership program in August 2003, with the condition that she succeed in raising her credit scores to a safer level. Natasha worked diligently to repair her credit and was able to surpass the minimum goal in a few months’ time. Natasha has been a regular fixture at the work site, along with her family, friends and supporters from the Bucks County Opportunity Council to achieve her 500 sweat equity hours. While fulfilling her requirements for Habitat and raising her family, Natasha is also pursuing a Business Management degree at Gwynedd-Mercy College. Natasha pursued this homeownership opportunity because she felt uncomfortable about her children’s safety in their current neighborhood. “I made a promise to my family that I would achieve this goal of owning our own home. And if it’s meant for me to live in Emerald Hollow, then God will allow this.”

2004 | November

Kausar-Bashir Family

Surraya Kausar and Faisal Bashir used to live in a tiny, two-bedroom apartment with their daughters, Amina and Maaha, and Faisal’s parents, Munwer and Mohammed. They purchased their Habitat home on November 5th after completing over 505 sweat equity hours. They are already enjoying the extra room and have been seen sharing tea with their new neighbors. Surraya is also a participant of the Bucks County Opportunity Council and also spent much of her time volunteering at the YWCA family center in her former apartment complex.

Brooks Family

Tom and Janeen Brooks are very familiar with the greater community of Emerald Hollow—they have been living in Trumbauersville for several years. Tom and Janeen have a 14-month-old son, Zachary. The Brooks are purchasing their home through the EH2 model and have completed their 100 hours of sweat equity. They have achieved their goal of homeownership with extra support from their family and through a very unlikely supporter—their mortgage broker, Stan Reinford.

Remick Family

Kile and Betty Remick ached for a new house so they could have more room for their children to grow and explore. They made their dreams come true when they signed the mortgage papers to purchase their cluster six home. Their home is certainly filled with the laughter of little girls—sisters Angela, Elizabeth, Kilie and Rebecca. Even though they had a 100-hour sweat equity requirement, the Remicks logged well over 140 hours toward their home!

Alderfer Family

There is power in numbers. Lynn Alderfer is a single homeowner in cluster six, and earning 500 hours of sweat equity all by herself was daunting enough. To make things harder, though, Lynn suffers from severe pain from a work injury. Despite these obstacles, Lynn accomplished 606.50 hours of sweat equity with help from her family and friends; and she’s still volunteering! Lynn has made herself quite comfortable in her new home, having tea and even hosting soup-making get-togethers with her neighbors.

Kariuki-Nganga Family

Charles Kariuki and Lucy Nganga had long dreamed of moving into a home of their own. They left their native country in hopes of a better life. They have struggled at times in learning the realities of American life, but celebrated the fulfillment of their dream of settling in the USA. Charles and Lucy, with their children, Eunice and Victor, moved into their spacious new home in November from a tiny, one-bedroom apartment in Bensalem. Charles is a graduate of Bucks County Opportunity Council’s economic self-sufficiency program. Daughter Janice joined the family in October 2005.

2004 | June

Cunnane Family

Dawn Cunnane applied to Habitat’s homeownership program during the fall 2004 Application Day, while living in Sellersville with her son, Christian. Dawn received sweat equity support from her dad, Mike, who became a regular visitor to site to donate his hours toward Dawn’s goal of providing a safe and trustworthy community for herself and especially for Christian.
      
Kellerher Family

Brian and Christine Kelleher also applied to Habitat during the fall Application Day, which allowed the event’s babysitters to fall madly in love with their son, Tyler, who has continued to woo many Habitat staff and volunteers with his bright smile. The Kelleher family, lived in a second-floor apartment in Quakertown, that was a tight fit for them and Brian’s twin sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan (as well as their hermit crab—Crabby Pants). Having had experience with Habitat through her youth group, Christine knew that Habitat was an affordable answer to their dream of homeownership in a safe environment.

Krueger Family

Jason and Jennifer Krueger applied for a Habitat home in September of 2003, after touring a cluster three home during an open house. They previously lived in Croydon in a tiny, two-bedroom apartment with their four children: River, twins Michaela and Bailey and 7-month-old Jason, Jr. Obviously, more space was a must. After their acceptance, Jen and Jay actively pursued their 500 sweat equity hours, often bringing many family members and friends on site with them and enrolling the help of many others to baby-sit the children. River was also very active in contributing hours through his extra-curricular activities of swimming and participating in the school play. The one thing that Family Program Director Stefanie will always know about Jen is that she has a lot of questions: Jen never hesitated to call—a LOT—from the first moment she learned of Habitat…and wonderfully, her persistence in achieving her goal has paid off!

Law Family

Denise and Matthew Law (previosly of Chalfont) applied for their home in April of 2003 and were accepted in July. They, along with their daughter, Brooklyn, also welcomed a new baby into their family the following December with the birth of Jordana. When they applied, Denise wrote of Matt’s and her faith in God and love for each other that allowed them to overcome many obstacles in their lives. Today, it has brought them to the reality of dream come true: homeownership. The Law family completed well-over their required 100 sweat equity hours.

Schmidt Family

Maureen Schmidt of Quakertown was already pretty much a permanent fixture at Emerald Hollow, as she has volunteered with Habitat for over three years. We were able to celebrate the fact that her permanency is “officially official” as she becomes a new resident of the community she’s help build with, and for, so many others. The residents of Emerald Hollow are very lucky—because they can now enjoy Maureen’s laughter and enthusiasm all week long, instead of just on Saturdays.

2003 | December

The Chenette Family

Belinda Chenette is a single mom who works two jobs. She works hard for a living, and she wants out of her crime-ridden neighborhood. She wants a safe place for her daughter, Megan, to play, and for her sons, Rick and Trevor, to hang out. Tomorrow, Belinda will get what she wants, and move into a new home in a safe neighborhood teeming with playful children and good neighbors. Belinda is purchasing her new home through Habitat Bucks’ homeownership program. With help from her good friend, Lee, who volunteered almost every week in her name, and with her sons’ spending extra days on site and extra hours at home writing thank you notes to Habitat volunteers, Belinda has completed her 500 hours of sweat equity.

The Croman Family

All Robin Croman ever wanted was a chance to prove herself, and now she is. Having journeyed through years of homelessness, she is finally achieving the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency: homeownership. Having succeeded with the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Self-Sufficiency Program, and having tremendous support from her case manager, Tammy Schoonover, Robin will be moving into her Habitat Bucks’ Tier Two model home tomorrow with her children, Heather and Michael. With a requirement of completing 100 sweat equity hours, Robin has completed almost 200 hours toward her new home with her family and friends.

2003 | July

The Kolodub Family

Lidia and Alexander Kolodub (cul’-a-dub) moved to the US from the Ukraine in 1991 with their two daughters, Irina (eye-ree’-na) and Anna. The family will be moving into their new home with extended family who are also living in the US. The Kolodub family is making a big hop from Lower Bucks, as they currently live in Bensalem. Lidia, Alex, Irina and Anna have completed over 551 sweat equity hours! Their involvement with Habitat has resulted in better grades for Irina and Anna. When the Kolodub’s were hanging their kitchen cabinets late one Saturday afternoon, Lidia didn’t want to leave to “go home”. She told Alex, “this is my home now. We are home!” The Kolodub family was featured on the Visionaries documentary about Habitat Bucks, “From the Ground Up.”
      
The Cole Family

Rich Cole and his “doggy” (as he likes to refer to him), Yoda, are excited about their new home. Rich is a single Dad to two young adults, Matt and Megan, whom he hopes move in with him to their new home here in Emerald Hollow. Rich has spent countless hours writing thank you notes to new volunteers and working on site (well over 504 sweat equity hours), and was thrilled when the warm weather came—because it meant that his kids were out on site alongside him. Many of us grumbled about the long and difficult winter we had, but Rich savored every moment of it—as a longtime PennDOT employee, the extra overtime meant he had the means to purchase the luxuries of central air conditioning and ceiling fans. On his application, Rich wrote, “I would be proud to be part of anything Jimmy Carter does—I think he is a great person.”
      
The Argue Family

Steven and Jennifer Argue are the proud parents of Natalie and Hailey. Steve and Jen are longtime Quakertown residents; Steve is well-known in the Quakertown Soccer Club as a team member in his childhood, and now as an assistant coach for his brother. Jen splits her time between staying at home with the girls, working as a medical assistant and delivering newspapers in the middle of the night. The Argues are in a special position, as Steve can officially say that he built most of his house himself—Steve has been a full-time member of the Habitat construction staff since this winter. Jen has prepared a scrap book of her new home, which everyone may view today, and is so excited about her new home that she’s been carrying around paint chips and magazine pictures to decorate her new home since they were accepted last October.
      
The Besse Family

Susan is the single Mom to Vincent and Alyssia. Susan is probably our most courageous, and most patient, partner family. Susan was accepted in August 2001—when the first families were chosen for the as-yet-unseen Emerald Hollow. Susan jumped immediately into her sweat equity hours—and suffered a broken leg on site, which kept her off site for longer than she wanted. Since her recovery, Susan has amassed over 507 sweat equity hours. Susan, Vincent and Alyssia have been very active in Habitat activities and political activities. The children joined Susan in creating and writing thank you notes to new volunteers and attending the Habitat 5K Race. Just recently, Susan spoke at a press conference to discuss the lack of affordable childcare, and to share her story of struggle. On her application, Susan wrote, “I have had many organizations help me in the past….and I feel that I probably, financially, will never be able to repay this gratitude. So if I can build a community for my children and me, and people in my situation or worse, it would give me the satisfaction that I’m doing what I can to help someone else for a change. My children deserve to have a normal life with a nice permanent home and good school and neighborhood to call their own to grow up in and make friends to keep for life.”

2003 | February

The Soldo Family

George and Judy applied for a Habitat home in August 2001. They were one of the three families initially invited to apply for an Emerald Hollow home through a Lions Club grant. George and Judy married in May 2002 and have one son, Gregory. Judy, George and Gregory currently live with Judy’s parents, the Penhollow family, and are really looking forward to having a place of their own. The Soldo’s, along with family and friends, has completed all 500 of their sweat equity hours.

The Esch Family

Amy purchased her home through the Tier Two model. Amy applied for an Emerald Hollow home in November of 2001 “to provide a decent home” for her “wonderful kids,” Abigail and Matthew. Amy contributed over 25 hours more than her required 100 sweat equity hours. Amy has so enjoyed building her home that she asked for power tools for Christmas! When Amy applied she had hoped that her “kids would be very happy in a neighborhood like this,” and shared that she was “very grateful for the opportunity.”

2002 | September

Mott Family

Steve is a single young man with strong Christian faith. In the past, he had pursued a professional soccer career, playing with the Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club, a missionary team in Charlotte, NC. He very recently obtained a new position selling surgical equipment for Stryker Instruments. Previously, he was an engineer at his parent’s company, Stone Hill Contracting Co., Inc. On his application, he wrote, “I have been renting for over three years now and making responsible financial decisions, but I am still unable to afford decent housing in this area….This has become quite frustrating and discouraging, which is why I am pursuing this opportunity….the choices I have made both personally and financially have been sacrifices and cost me over the years, I hope they don’t disqualify my application…[written in fear of being “too good” for our program].” Steve worked diligently in researching and pursuing a low-interest mortgage, as required by the Tier Two model. His ambition and knowledge not only educated our staff, but also greatly impressed the loan officers at Quakertown National Bank who is providing his mortgage. He has completed well over the 100 sweat equity hours required by the Interfaith model, and has shared his extreme pleasure in getting to know his neighbors ahead of time by working alongside them, and has even offered to sacrifice his time and efforts to ensure that his neighbors get into their home sooner.
      
Chase Family

Former residents of a mobile home park in Danboro, which is north of Doylestown along Rt. 611. They sold their mobile home on August 15th and have been living with Dorothy’s parents for the last two weeks. Rick & Dorothy met & fell in love while working at Doylestown Hospital, where they are still employed. Rick has been working there for 21 years, Dorothy for 18 years. They have a very strong faith and have always been grateful for this chance to own a home that can accommodate their large family with all of their needs. (Mark is ADHD, Paul is autistic & doesn’t speak). On their application, they wrote, “Sometimes things are hard, but with hard work and patience (Dorothy’s double-underline) all things happen for a reason.” The Chase family has certainly contributed much hard work and patience to Emerald Hollow—having earned well over 550 hours of sweat equity among themselves and their family and friends. They also wrote about Paul, “Paul our son does not speak; this is very hard but we continue to show him love, that is all we ask from each member of our family.” Not only has this family shown their love for each other, but also for everyone involved with Habitat as each one spreads his/her happiness and gratefulness for their new home.

2001 | August

Higgins Family

Tracy Higgins took on the responsibility for raising her two-year-old son, Jacob, by herself. They shared a bedroom in her small, termite-infested apartment with no yard in which Jacob could play. Because of the area’s high rate of drinking and drug abuse, Tracy was fearful of the influences Jacob would encounter as he grew up.

Despite these conditions, Tracy maintained steady employment and even managed to gain certification in the health profession by way of an evening school program. By February 2000, determined to raise her son in a “neighborhood with strong family values,” Tracy sent in an application for a Habitat home.

In her application, Tracy wrote that she wanted to show her “son that even though [she is] a single mother, hard work does pay off.” After Tracy’s acceptance in June 2000, and subsequent fulfillment of 500 sweat equity hours, Tracy was able to do just that.

Tracy and Jacob, now ten, have been enjoying their lives and time together in their new home since August 2001. Jacob has a yard to play in, and Tracy has neighbors she can depend on “for a lifetime."

2000 | October

DeBlass Family

Struggling through some bad circumstances, Glenys DeBlass was tired of moving her children from one apartment to the next to avoid increasing rental costs. They needed stability; they had future goals that might be disrupted by insecure living conditions. Glenys and her three children found that stability in their new home, purchased through Habitat Bucks. The family moved into their home in October 2000. Following his Mom’s lead of keeping education as a top priority, Chris began college in the fall of 2004.

2000 | June

Abalo Family

They were four adults living in a one-bedroom apartment; a baby on the way. Emmanuel and Aneza knew it was time to find something else for them, their cousin, the foster adult for whom they cared and their soon-to-arrive child. With the right opportunity, they could afford a larger home—Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County was that opportunity. The Abalo family welcomed their first child into the family in October 1997 and moved into their new Bristol Township home in June 2000.

2000 | February

Devero Family

A one-bedroom apartment is not a decent home for a mom and four kids. Despite the lack of space, the Devero family had always “made do with what [they] had.” In February 2000, Mingtoy and her children said good-bye to their cramped quarters and moved into a much-roomier home in Bristol Borough. Mingtoy had never owned a home before; but she knew that “with the help of [Habitat] and God [they would] some day be blessed with a home.”

Kindt Family

Despite suffering the loss of her husband and their father to cancer, Margit “Peggy” Kindt and her children did not want for much. Peggy worked several jobs to support the family and to encourage Braiden and Sage to stay in college. Homeownership was a dream, “…a desire to own a home for [her] children—to have a ‘base’ where [she] can express [her] love.” The Kindt’s dream came true when they purchased their Bristol Borough home in February 2000. Braiden recently graduated from college and took a successful job in New York City.

1999 | November

Bonfig Family

A Mom and Dad and five daughters once lived in a condemned apartment complex in Fairless Hills. Now, they live in a beautiful home in Croydon, Bristol Township, saving several hundred dollars per month in housing costs and knowing that their hard-earned money is going into something that is theirs. Tom and Kathy Bonfig, along with their children, moved into their new home in November 1999. Their home was built with a large donation from Keystone Bank’s Keystone Cares program, which covered half the cost of the Bonfig home. The family’s goal of a stable home was aided by their participation in the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Family Sufficiency Program.

1999 | June

Shornock Family

Physical injuries causing a loss of job was forcing this family of six out of their Levittown home; time was running out. But with their determination and faith in God, Jim and Lois Shornock, with their children regained financial stability and purchased their Habitat Bucks home in June 1999. Their Bristol Township home was built as part of a special program, “The House That Congress Built,” with Congressman Jim Greenwood putting his construction skills to great use.

1999 | March

Baxter Family

Sharon Baxter used to live in a cramped, two-bedroom apartment with three of her five children (the other children lived with relatives due to the lack of space). Through the family’s partnership with Habitat Bucks, Sharon, Shakitra, Lettetia, Bashean, Kareem and Asia were able to move into a spacious home in Bristol Borough. Feeling that homeownership was near-impossible due to her income, Sharon found her dream become a reality as a result of her courage, hard work, dedication and determination to persevere through hardships. The Baxter family continues to achieve new goals in education and financial stability, all the while maintaining a strong joy of life and peace in God.

1999 | December

Ruggia Family

Need for adequate shelter is a requirement of all Habitat applicants. Carol Rugghia and her sons, Mario and Michael, understood that need too well. Their Fairless Hills apartment was infested with pests and insects. Poor insulation and water damage resulted in mold and mildew growing on everything—even their clothes in the closets. Their Habitat home in Levittown is completely opposite. They moved into their new home in December 1999. Soon after she started working on her sweat equity hours, Carol described her best Habitat moment as “the feeling you get the first time you work on one of the homes….[We] have made many new friends with families and Habitat members.”

1998 | February

Carroll Family

The two-bedroom Telford apartment Tonia and Courtney Carroll rented for them and their three children had water seepage damage in the ceilings. The conditions created mold and mildew in all of the rooms, and oldest daughter, Candace, who has asthma, especially suffered from the family’s living conditions. The Carroll’s heard about the Habitat for Humanity program through friends, and in 1997, they submitted an application for housing at Habitat Bucks.
Courtney and Tonia Carroll have always worked hard and purposefully to provide the best for their three children. They’ve worked opposite shifts at their jobs to keep life affordable and to insure the best upbringing for their family. When the time came after the family’s acceptance as a partner family in 1997, they approached the task of completing the required 500 sweat equity hours on their home with that same determination.
When the Carroll family moved into their new home in February 1998, they not only gained a simple, decent, safe home, but also some peace and contentment. Says Courtney, “It has helped us inwardly—spiritually, morally. It says a lot when you can turn the key to the door of your own home. It’s like a safe haven. We have invested in our lives. It has changed our lives all around.”

1998 | February

Carroll Family

The two-bedroom Telford apartment Tonia and Courtney Carroll rented for them and their three children had water seepage damage in the ceilings. The conditions created mold and mildew in all of the rooms, and oldest daughter, Candace, who has asthma, especially suffered from the family’s living conditions. The Carroll’s heard about the Habitat for Humanity program through friends, and in 1997, they submitted an application for housing at Habitat Bucks.

Courtney and Tonia Carroll have always worked hard and purposefully to provide the best for their three children. They’ve worked opposite shifts at their jobs to keep life affordable and to insure the best upbringing for their family. When the time came after the family’s acceptance as a partner family in 1997, they approached the task of completing the required 500 sweat equity hours on their home with that same determination.

When the Carroll family moved into their new home in February 1998, they not only gained a simple, decent, safe home, but also some peace and contentment. Says Courtney, “It has helped us inwardly—spiritually, morally. It says a lot when you can turn the key to the door of your own home. It’s like a safe haven. We have invested in our lives. It has changed our lives all around.”

1996 | October

Cenkner (Joyce) Family

Florence Cenkner lived in a two-bedroom, Bensalem apartment with her four children when she was accepted into the Habitat program. Having grown up in the Bristol area, Florence was excited about moving into a familiar neighborhood. The family of five settled on their Bristol Borough home in October 1996. In May 2004, Florence married her sweetheart, Steve Joyce, in a riverfront wedding ceremony.

Parrish Family

Stephanie Parrish is a single Mom to Kanisha and Bria. On her Habitat application, she wrote, “It has always been my dream to own a home. And I have been waiting on the Lord to bless me with one; I cannot do it on my own.” While fighting a debilitating illness, Stephanie and her daughters stayed focused and faithful. The Lord answered their prayers; they purchased their Bristol Borough home in October 1996. Stephanie continued to partner with Habitat Bucks long after she moved into her home, serving on the Family Selection Committee for several years and watching other families’ dreams come true.

1995 | June

Dupree Family

When Elijah and Tracey Dupree applied for a Habitat home in 1993, they were expecting their third child. Elijah, Jr. and Elisha welcomed their little sister, Tra’esha in 1994. Today, the family has grown to six, with Tra’shon’s arrival in 1998. Elijah, Sr. is a veteran of the first Gulf War. Tracey recently completed training to increase her earning potential in medical billing. They have been living in their Bristol Township home since June 1995, with much more room than their previous living arrangements, a two-bedroom apartment in Langhorne. Regarding the homeownership process, they said, “You watch as a dream slowly comes true and you are a part of it. Being involved in your dream is truly overwhelming.”

Bogan Family

Joan Bogan and her children were the very first Habitat Bucks family. They purchased their Bristol Borough home in June 1995. At the dedication for their home, Joan expressed the family’s gratitude, “As a single parent, working two jobs, it’s something I have always dreamed of…I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.” Being the first Habitat family in Bucks County, the Bogans eagerly awaited new Habitat neighbors and were often seen on other families’ home sites to help them achieve their dreams.