NEW VIENNA — It took less than a week for Bob Williams to be around the persistent enthusiasm of his soon-to-be-wife Brittney, for him to agree that the couple should apply to build a Habitat for Humanity home. Brittney said, “I was so excited about this and I knew that we should do it.”
“Please, please, please, let’s do this!” Bob said with a laugh, “I couldn’t turn her down.”
So began their whirlwind journey almost a year ago to building a home. They are within a month of moving into their new home in New Vienna.
Bob learned of the opportunity through his employer, Houston’s Heating and Cooling. Mike Houston is a good friend of the local Habitat organization. He has donated a building for their Restore and commits to supporting the group with heating unit installations.
Late last fall, one of the Habitat volunteers, Tom McChain, had stopped into the business and mentioned that Habitat was taking building applications for homes scheduled for completion in 2018. Bob’s dad, who is named Robert or Bob, also works for Houston’s, said he might know of someone. That’s how this happens: in small communities it is possible to know the right people, even your dad and employer can open doors to wonderful opportunities.
Bob and Brittney knew each other while attending high school at East Clinton, but it wasn’t until after graduation that they became a couple. They have a 2-year-old son.
On top of building a home, Bob and Brittney planned their wedding for this summer. Additionally, Bob completed his certification in refrigeration. When they weren’t framing a house, or studying for certification, the two managed to spend their first vacation together in Florida.
The last few weeks, they have been working tirelessly to complete their home. The kitchen cabinets are installed, they have selected flooring and are awaiting lighting fixtures — it’s crunch time. Lots of small details to select and check off before completion. Brittney has selected fixtures to complement her farm chic décor.
Every Habitat home owner is expected to work on their home and to help assist in the building of others’. Also, the home owner repays the group with a monthly mortgage based on a sliding scale that isn’t an economic hardship for the family/owners. In effect, there are two mortgages, one of sweat equity and another financially. The commitment ensures that those who want a home are truly committed to the process and want to succeed.
What does the future hold for this happy Williams family? They are looking forward to getting a dog and decorating their new home at Christmas.
While 2019 Habitat for Humanity families are already selected, there are homes available for 2020. Contact the Habitat office for more information at 937-655-9484.