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Habitat for Humanity builds homes, hope for area families

During a groundbreaking Tuesday for a Habitat for Humanity (HFHMV) home to be built in Salem, delighted 8-year-old Marie Hays exclaimed that she will now have her very own room.

That gratitude from a youngster is a kind of simple reward for all the hard work that so many put into such endeavors like building a home for the Hays family, appreciative parents Amanda and Robert Hays and their eager four young children. The home is expected to built by October.

The goal of the Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley is to construct 12 homes this year. Families must meet requirements for income, credit and a willingness to partner, i.e. provide a good share of sweat equity.

A majority of funds for the local project were acquired during the HFHMV merger with the Habitat affiliate in Northern Columbiana County. The merged affiliate will be serving Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. The Bank Street project will be the 141st home built in the Mahoning Valley.

Those familiar with Habitat for Humanity are aware of the efforts involved to fulfill the organization’s mission: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

Volunteers are always needed. Those interested may volunteer to help during construction build days, weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sign up to volunteer at: www.HabitatMahoning.org/volunteer/construction or call 330-743-7244. Help of any kind is always welcome.

Sponsors also play key roles. These include HFHMV ReStores (there is one right here in Salem), Community Housing Impact & Preservation Program (CHIP grant), United Way of Northern Columbiana County, Conventry Lighting, Westminster College Campus Chapter, AmeriCorps, Dow, Whirlpool, Square D, Valspar and Hunter Douglas.

The Habitat for Humanity vision expresses “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” And sometimes that even includes for an excited child — such as Marie Hays — their very own room! While building new and much needed homes, that wonderful organization helps families build hope for their futures. HFHMV is yet another example of a generous organization that is vital to our community. We have many.

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