Displaying items by tag: Burma

It's not the first time Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has handed the keys to a new home to a family, but this one offers the organization a different perspective.

"This is our first refugee settlement family that was referred to us by the International Institute [of Akron] to apply for the program," said President and CEO Rochelle Sibbio.

Staff members, volunteers and sponsors filled the Hollibaugh Avenue home Thursday morning to join the dedication ceremony where Sibbio handed out the key to the new home to C Mawia, his wife, and three children. The family came to America from Burma (also known as Myanmar) in 2009.

"I left my home, but right now God give it to me, again," said Mawia. "A new house."

More than 100 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours to build the home for the family of five. 

"Them having a chance to bring their family members here to show them what they have done, the American Dream, they're now able to have a part of that.

Sibbio said the organization is currently working with five refugee families.

In Summit County, Habitat for Humanity has built 198 homes in its 30 year history.