Harford Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build Underway in Aberdeen

From Harford Habitat for Humanity:

Richmond American Homes and Harford Habitat for Humanity (HHH) have teamed up for a blitz build. For five days from September 13 – 17, 2010, volunteers will gather on Third Street in Aberdeen to build two homes for deserving families in just one week. On Friday, September 17th, the families will get the keys to their new homes, and their new lives.

Danielle Tinsley and her disabled daughter will enjoy one of the homes. Senior Ola Mae Espey will live in the other. In addition to working on the house, Danielle spent nine months preparing financially for home ownership. She is being mentored by Nicole Keys, another successful HHH home owner. Danielle saved a significant portion of her earnings during those months and learned about budgeting and planning to ensure that she not only earns her home, but is able to stay in it securely.

Ola Mae Espey will live in her home until she is no longer able, at which point the home will be awarded to another HHH family. Ola Mae has been living in a sub-standard mobile home on property she owned; she has donated that property to HHH and in 2011 two more HHH homes will be built on the site.

“Both of these families are great examples of new ways we’re helping to create stable home owners,” says Joann Blewett, Executive Director of HHH. “Danielle was asked to do a nine month preparation program to ensure she was ready for home ownership, and she completed that brilliantly. Ola Mae has provided a new option for helping others and managing to safely enjoy later life. We hope other people will consider her example and donate land or houses that need improvements or renovation so that they, and other families, can enjoy a safe, secure home.”