Habitat's Newest Homeowner Gives Thanks
Note: The following article appeared in the December 24, 2009 edition of the Palladieum-Item newspaper. It was writted by Rachel Sheeley.
Family home for the holidays with Habitat's assistance.
Bobbie Jo Duncan and her family are spending their first Christmas in their new home, which was built through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Richmond. Duncan and her four sons Chandler, Colton, Camden and Correy received the keys to their home at 500 N.W. Second St. in late November during a dedication ceremony. During the ceremony, Duncan told about her previous housing experiences and how Habitat has changed her life
"We have lived in low-income housing where crime was right outside our back door and front door," she said. "The police walked at night to try and keep it safe. We have also lived in housing where the house was condemned when we moved out, and the mice would tell you what channel they wanted to watch on the TV. I even thought the mice should have helped with my utility bills! I always dreamed of having my own home but never thought it possible until the day I read the newspaper ad for Habitat sign-ups and that has made all the difference."
Duncan said through the Habitat process, which includes an application, doing "sweat equity" work on the house and making a down payment, she has learned the meaning of Habitat's motto: A hand up, not a hand out.
"Habitat had many faces for me," Duncan said. "First off, there was Mindy (Reece, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Richmond), who coordinates all this, with help I'm sure, but I know it's still overwhelming, but she keeps persevering and smiling even when things don't go perfect, always taking time to answer questions no matter how ridiculous they may sound. She also takes time from her husband, her sister who is in a wheelchair and her sister's two teenage children. She amazed me that she even gives out her cell phone number so you can bother her anytime of the day or night."
Another "face" is Jim Swardenski, who was the construction site supervisor for Duncan's house. "He was only supposed to be part-time but he seemed to always be there so I always thought he was full-time," she said. "Jim had a very nice wife, children, and grandchildren he could have been spending time with instead of spending his time with my family walking us through all of the steps of design and the build." Duncan also shared appreciation for four couples, who travel to build Habitat homes: Bill and Judy Kemp of Dillwyn, Va.; Gordon and Frances Kraus of Arden, N.C.; Art and Mary Ann Mavis of Roanoke, Ala.; and Mel and Brenda Butterfield of Quincy, Ill. Closer to home, Duncan applauded the efforts of Rich Leppert, who traveled from Cincinnati on many occasions and Sundays to wire electricity and take care of other tasks; Jeremy Vincent of Garden Avenue, who did the landscaping, and his wife and children; Mary and Larry Huber; Nancy Bortner; Gil Klose; Carla Gillespie; Brandi McClanahan; Elaine Oleska; Diane Ferlauto and her daughter, Cristina; and Bill Jackson.
"I could go on for days and pages sharing with you stories about the Earlham volleyball team and their surgeon outfits, Coach Amyx and the Richmond baseball team .... (and) Grover, the neighbor who came to pull weeds and mow my grass who was paralyzed on one side of her body after a car wreck. She told me God left her here for a reason and that was to help others. She said if we could help her
lift the lawnmower onto the lot, she would mow our grass," Duncan said.
"Through all the blood, sweat, tears, prayers, hugs and friends I have met, I would like to say thank you. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly as He has my family."