This Week's Program was . .
April 9, 2024
Speaker Michael Barb, Executive Director and Kate Burke, Director of Development for Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity.Our speaker today was Michael Barb, Executive Director of Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity. In 2015 Lake Habitat and Geauga Habitat merged to form the Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity. Their mission has always been, "What if everyone in Lake and Geauga counties have access to a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home?" We learned that Habitat homes are not given away rather the owners buy them. Each applicant must meet 3 eligibility requirements, 1. they are in need of a home, 2. ability to pay the mortgage, and 3. willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity (sweat equity as Michael referred to it). Habitat is the builder, banker, and originator of the loan for the recipients of their homes. Essentially the home owners are building equity and independence with a 0% interest rate.
They are promoting an initiative called "100th Home and Beyond". Habitat is finishing building their 97th home right here in Painesville, the family will move in sometime this month and the dedication will be in May. Congratulations to the new home owners! They will begin construction on the 98th home this spring in Chardon. 100 homes, here they come!
Michael also spoke about their growing repair program. Helping many veterans and seniors to have safe homes where they can live independently. Their repair program is not limited to veterans and seniors but all applicants must meet the same criteria, such as being home owners and up to date on all financial aspects of their homes and in need of help that will enhance their current home and make it safe, healthy and affordable.
Please visit their website for more information on their programs and fundraisers: lake-geaugahabitat.org.
Next week Loretta Todd, from Debonne Vineyards will be at the meeting to speak.
