GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity says the 113th home they have built in their history is also a first for them.
The organization is unveiling a home at 1743 Chicago Court today, which has six-bedrooms, a first ever for them.
The reason behind all the rooms is because it’s going to a family of eleven and a father with medical needs.
“They have been probably the most gracious family that we have worked with,” explains Michelle Heeler, family services director.
The Habane/Egeh family was previously living in a rental home, but their situation grew particularly murky once the father became disabled a number of years ago.
“He is fully disabled and not able to work,” explains Heeler. “So their income to be able to provide for their family decreased, because he’s on social security.”
Additionally, their living space grew inadequate due to the father’s disability.
“The rental home that they were living in was not air conditioned,” she says. “They had to have the medical supplies in the living room, so they were unable to use the living room.”
Heeler explains that they constructed their new home with these limitations in mind.
“So we did build a larger garage than normal, as well, to accommodate for the medical supplies,” she explains.
The family has shared their excitement throughout the process.
“We look forward to living in our first house,” says the Habane/Egehs. “Thank you all for helping us!”
They also have had to do some significant work in order to get this opportunity.
“Homeowners do have to complete, what we call, sweat equity hours,” explains Heeler. “Which basically means, that they volunteer on the construction site of their home and other Habitat homes.”
Thanks to generous donations of money, materials, and volunteer labor, the family will be able to have a zero-interest and affordable mortgage going forward.
