‘We can’t wait to move in’: One home for a family in need

Stephanie Matthews and her two children have been waiting nearly two years to move into their new home.

A global pandemic, supply shortages, and rising costs were not going to keep Lycoming County’s Habitat For Humanity from completing this home for the Matthews family.

“We’re very thankful and grateful for everyone who put time in here and helped me along the way,” Matthews said during the home dedication ceremony on Wednesday, August 5. “It wouldn’t be possible without the people in this room and others who couldn’t make it.”

Habitat for Humanity in Lycoming County funds one home per year for a family in need. The home is funded through donations and grants and is built by the family as well as volunteers in the community.

The city of Williamsport gave $70,000 from it’s Community Development Block Grant funds for the project, according to Mayor Derek Slaughter.

The homes are built through volunteer help, discounts on materials and commitment from the homes soon-to-be new owners. 

A new family is selected each year and the family is expected to put “sweat equity” into the build of their new home. They are required to contribute a certain amount of hours as well as devote time to finance education classes to help them prepare for taking on and finishing a 30-year mortgage.

Author

  • Anne Reiner

    Anne Reiner has been a journalist for over eight years. She lives in Lycoming County and founded On the PULSE to create a new and engaging way to bring local news to the region of Northcentral, Pennsylvania.

Anne Reiner

Anne Reiner has been a journalist for over eight years. She lives in Lycoming County and founded On the PULSE to create a new and engaging way to bring local news to the region of Northcentral, Pennsylvania.