Pandemic doesn't hinder Habitat for Humanity

BRUNSWICK — Just four months after construction began and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, Habitat for Humanity of Medina County is nearing completion of its 43rd house in the county since 1992. Tom O'Connell, executive director, said the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't impacted the house's build. Though the organization and all of its workers are following health guidelines including wearing masks, remaining socially distant when possible and limiting crews to 10 people at a time, the project hasn't experienced any stoppages and is on track to be finished in the normal four to five month window. He anticipates the house being finished and presented to its new owners on Dec. 5. "This project has remained on time, even with 10 people on site," O'Connell said. "We really haven't felt slowed down. In some ways, I think we've kind of realized that that is a good group size. You want every person that comes out to feel that what they're doing is valuable. We've come to realize that 10 is a good number." The 1,100 square foot, three bed, two bath home in Brunswick (the exact address is not disclosed for the new homeowner's privacy) will come complete with a washer and dryer donated by Home Appliances and a range and fridge donated by Whirpool. The latter is something that is done at every Habitat for Humanity house throughout the country thanks to a deal the organization has with Whirpool. The house had a budget of $150,000, which included the land and construction, and will be paid by the new homeowners through a mortgage set up by Habitat. The unique thing about this mortgage is that there is zero interest on it. O'Connell said he should not say what the mortgage for the house would be as there are still items being worked out, but that the average Habitat mortgage is around $550 a month. "It brings it down to what we call affordable," O'Connell said. "That includes principal, homeowners insurance and property taxes. We want to provide affordable housing to people." To be considered for the program, O'Connell said applicants must meet three criteria: They must present a need for better housing, have a willingness to partner with Habitat and put in the "sweat equity" working on their own and others house projects, and have the ability to pay. After being accepted, O'Connell said he encourages future homeowners to come out and be on-site as much as possible. He emphasized that this is a process of working "with" those individuals rather than "for" them. In August, Habitat of Medina County opened up the application on its website for two weeks and, without and external advertising, 21 people applied — the most the county's organization has ever seen. "Getting that many applications in 15 days shows that, even here in Medina County, there's a need for affordable housing," O'Donnell said. "Property values are going up across the county, which is wonderful, but what's happening is that those on the lower end of the financial spectrum, their opportunity to get into starter homes isn't there anymore." Because of that need along with the impacts of the pandemic, O'Connell said this project has been "special." "This is a great success for us in the midst of everything happening," he said. "This pandemic has caused the importance of home and shelter to rise to the surface unlike any other time since I've been alive. It's really neat to work with a family and to be able to build this home with them." Once the house is finished, Habitat's work in Brunswick isn't anywhere near complete. O'Connell said he hopes to have another project started within 3 to 4 weeks after this one is done, with the next few properties set to be built in different neighborhoods in the city. As opportunities pop up in other areas in the county as well, he said Habitat will continue creating new opportunities for those in need. "We're just looking to provide people with safe, decent and affordable housing," O'Connell said. Contact reporter Jack Kopanski at (330) 721-4063 or jkopanski@medina-gazette.com.