Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity dedicated a rehabilitated
Habitat home, located on Worden Street in
Lebanon, on Saturday, May 5. Ahmed and Nehal Marai, along with their three
children, Mohamed, Eman and Abdullah, will move in to the three-bedroom home as
part of the organization’s first-time homebuyers program. The celebration
marked the completion of the renovation by Habitat, as well as the Marai family’s
completion of the homeownership program requirements.
“I found the program exciting and look
forward to continuing to volunteer and learn new construction skills,” stated Ahmed Marai. Marai completed 500 sweat equity hours,
working on his home, as well three other Habitat homes under construction in
Lebanon and Lancaster Counties.
“When Ahmed began working on site
with us, he was learning to paint a room. He progressed to laying laminate and
vinyl plank flooring, even installing wood trim with a nail gun,” stated Jim
Eberly, Habitat’s Director of Construction.
In addition to Ahmed’s hours,
volunteers contributed more than 850 hours to the rehabilitation of the Worden
street home, including groups from Elizabethtown College, Lebanon Valley
College, local churches and Habitat’s weekly construction volunteers. PNC, Jonestown Bank and the Bishop Foundation contributed to
funding of the project.
Mayor Sherry Capello joined Habitat
staff, board members and volunteers, as well as Marai friends and family, for
the home dedication. After leading a hearty round of applause for Eman’s
achievement of placing third in the district-wide school spelling bee, Mayor
Capello talked with guests about the importance of increasing the homeownership
rate in Lebanon City.“Right
now, the homeownership rate is about 42 percent, and we want to get that closer
to 60 percent,” she said. “Because studies show that homeownership actually
improves quality of life issues in the city.”
Habitat presented the family with keys to their new home, as well as a toolbox,
cleaning supplies and a bookcase, filled with books, from Lebanon Girl Scout
Troop # 70338. The troop refinished the bookshelf and collected books, tailored
to the family of five. “The girls enjoyed
working on the bookshelves and really connected with the project… learning
about the family’s three school-aged children, similar to the girls in the troop,
who would soon be moving into a nearby home,” said Lynne Lowe, Girl Scout troop
leader.
The Marai family will now purchase
the newly-refinished home from Habitat at a low-interest mortgage. “Having an affordable mortgage allows parents to focus
on their jobs and children and not have to worry about making some difficult
financial choices,” shared Andrew Szalay, Habitat’s executive director. “The
need for shelter isn’t just abroad; it’s in our community. A partnership with
Habitat provides families with a stable place to live and grow together.”
Habitat is
working on two additional rehabs in Lebanon County and is currently accepting
applications for Lebanon homebuyers. Find more information about Habitat’s
local work, homeownership and repair programs atlancansterlebanonhabitat.org or
contact the office at 717-392-8836.
About Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity
Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope for
families in need of safe, affordable housing across Lancaster and Lebanon
Counties. Since 1986, the organization has built and repaired homes across the
region, as well as strengthened communities through its neighborhood
revitalization efforts. Working in partnership with volunteers, Habitat
programs empower families to build brighter futures through homeownership.www.lancasterlebanonhabitat.orgmso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
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