Displaying items by tag: Habitat for Humanity

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.

9-1-1 operators hear all the bad that happens around their community on a day-to-day basis but on Sunday, one Akron 9-1-1 operator and her family saw what good a community can do.

That was Rochelle Sibbio, the president of Habitat for Humanity in Summit County presenting the key to a new house to Elizabeth Johnson and her family.

Over the last nine months more than 200 volunteers helped build a new four-bedroom house for the Johnson family. Elizabeth says she's nervous becoming a homeowner for the first time.

"The feeling of owning your own home and everything that comes with it and knowing what I did for my family, I think that the gratification in that brings the most joy to me."

Elizabeth's oldest and only nephew Darshon says he's greatful for their new house.

"I'm so greatful for everyone that helped out with the house with building it and getting it set up I'm just so greatful."

Sibbido says they were able to get the neighboring lot owned by the city of Akron to give a space to play for the kids.

"We contacted (the city of Akron) and able to acquire an additional lot in order to giver her some room for the kids."

Elizabeth recently became the legal guardian to her four nieces and one nephew and has been looking after them since 2012.

Habitat for Humanity's next home dedication is expected for June 1.