Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph held an official dedication ceremony on Dec. 6 to welcome two families “Home for the Holidays.”
The family of Jacqueline Fraser and the family of Fanosie and Dianne Legesse were presented with the keys to their new homes.
Local Habitat board president Dale Schenk said there is nothing more exciting than to have a house dedication.
“It marks both the end of a build, and the start of the new home for the families,” he said.
“First, I would like to welcome these families into Habitat family. We are currently over 20 families in our region and we are so proud to have them with us tonight.”
Schenk said “there is an old saying that it takes an entire village to raise a child. Well I think that standing here tonight and looking at what has been accomplished, I would like to change that to say it takes an entire community to build a Habitat Home and I can’t imagine working with a better community than Centre Wellington.”
When he first met local resident Russ Spicer, Schenk remembered Spicer’s comments that it had been nine years since the last Habitat home was constructed in Centre Wellington and he was determined it would happen again.
“I am really glad that Russ had that determination and drive,” Schenk said. Other Centre Wellington board members picked up on that spirit, he added.
“Centre Wellington has been an amazing community on this build,” Schenk said.
“Whether they are builders, lunch providers, sponsors, drivers, donors … thank you Centre Wellington.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj was impressed with the number of people attending to share the celebration.
“It is a testament to the work that has been done throughout the months, and to the organizers.
“There are so many loving hands that went into this build.”
On behalf of council, Ross-Zuj added, “welcome to our community and I know you are going to enjoy your stay here very much.”
Councillor Mary Lloyd echoed the mayor’s comments.
“I pray for blessings on the families and upon this organization to help it grow and continue.”
Schenk said one of the most important parts of the event is the blessing of the home.
For that, Pastor Paul Hudson took to the impromptu stage. Hudson said, “it has been a privilege for me as well to swing a hammer here for a few days.”
He offered a few words of prayer and blessing for the two homes. Hudson stressed the word “homes” since “they are homes not houses.”
He too has lived in many houses, “but there is a difference between a house and a home.” To the families, Hudson said, “this house is now yours and no one can push you out of it. It is a place for you to call home.”
He said a family has to be living in a house for it to be called a home.
Schenk added it was particularly gratifying to see the joy in the eyes of both the volunteers and the families. He then introduced Centre Wellington build co-chairs Spicer and Karen Welch.
While Spicer said it was a real pleasure to co-chair the build, “The real work is done by the volunteers who have both the expertise and the will.”
He said its been nearly 10 years since Centre Wellington’s last build – on York Street in Elora. Previous to that, there was a build on Milligan Street in Fergus.
“This is particularly rewarding to me because I know both of the families. It touches my heart to know that the community has responded in a way that is so warm and caring.”
Spicer added, “It is a joy to give a hand up to these families.”
Dale Klein of Habitat’s family support committee read a letter on behalf of Jacqueline Fraser, who will be moving into one of the homes with her son Charlie.
“I would say many thanks to everyone who have sponsored, worked and volunteered at the house. There was a lot to do. Also a big thanks to Carlo [Veras], who worked so hard on both sides of this house. I don’t know where we would all be without you.”
She added, “Getting this house is an incredible experience for my son Charlie and me – something that wouldn’t have happened if not for all of you.
“This means so much to me, I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas gift. We will enjoy many years to come in this house. I appreciate all of your efforts more than you know.”
The other recipient was the family of Fanosie and Dianne Legesse.
Fanosie offered many thanks, both to his Lord and to those involved in Habitat and all those who helped out to make this a reality.
“I am so glad my family and I are chosen to be part of this history.”
Legesse relayed a story about coming into the house a few days prior and telling someone he would be the new owner. He was then asked whether he liked the house.
“I said, ‘I like it. I like it a lot.’”
“Then he say, ‘Do you deserve it?’”
That question stopped him.
“Do I and my family this house? No one what they have, but we are privileged.”
However he said that to deserve the house, he would be acceptable if the criteria included being hardworking and caring for other people.
Instead, Legesse said he felt privileged, not deserving, to own this home. He too thanked Veras.
“He works with different people with different qualifications every day. Me and my family have a lot to owe you.”
Schenk commented that both families are very deserving.
For more information visit www.habitatwellington.on.ca
