Combined Federal Campaign #78638
Maryland Charity Campaign #4049
United Way #4049
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Meet Our Families
Our Partner Families are so special to us. Read their stories, in their own words, and get to know them. These are just a few of the amazing people with whom we work.
Read about our partner families from the last fiscal year here.
Mekonnen Damessa moved to America from Ethiopia in 2008 - along with his wife, Etsegenet Zerihun, and his three children – Dawit, 12; Yeabtsega, 10; and Yoself, 6 – in pursuit of a better life. “Many people in my country believe America is the land of opportunity,” he said. “I came to set up my opportunity. ”
Mekonnen left behind a position as an employee of the Ethiopian government and landed a full-time job as a parking valet in Philadelphia. When he was offered a position with the Maryland State Police, the family settled in an apartment in Baltimore. They also welcomed their fourth son, Binyam, now ten months old. Yet, while the growth of their family was a cause for celebration, it exacerbated an already cramped living situation.
Not only was the Damessas’ home wrought with a lack of space; the family faced consistent structural problems, inefficient heating and cooling, and high rent. Their complex was also infested with cockroaches and rats. Broken locks shattered their peace of mind, especially in a neighborhood inhabited by known sex offenders.
“We are living very strict lives,” Mekonnen said, “No vacation and an old car. We don’t have these things. We don’t have any furniture, only a sofa.” To protect the welfare of his family, and to ensure better education for his children, Mekonnen decided to try and purchase a house of his own in a more secure community.
“After I came here, it was in my mind to have my own house because, you know, I have a big family. You feel taken care of when you have your own house.” he said, “but is very difficult for us to buy a house here.”
It was his sister-in-law who referred him to Habitat for Humanity. She moved into a Habitat home in York, Pennsylvania ten years prior. Mekonnen was also familiar with the organization’s influence in his home country. The Shanka’s, a Harford County-based partner family, and fellow church member learned of the Damessas’ plight, and suggested they try Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna.
The Damessas were soon approved for a home at 4818 Philadelphia Road and began working to achieve their required sweat equity hours. Once completed, they will move into the house they helped to construct. Mekonnen says Habitat has not just transformed his life, but has also brightened the future of his family. In their new home, they will have security, space and a sense of personal pride.
“Now my kids will be having a new house where they can play outside, where nobody will complain,” he said. “I’ll have a new life. Having a house myself, I will know security. It’s my house now. I can take care of it. My kids won’t move from one apartment to another apartment, from one school to another school.”
The couple is eager to start saving for their children’s college education. Mekonnen, who already has both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, also hopes to earn another. “I want my kids to grow spiritually and mentally, to achieve a college education. I want them to have the best.”
The Damessas are grateful to all of the generous and compassionate volunteers who have invested their time and energy into building their home. “I don’t have words,” Mekonnen said. “I would thank them. I would bless them. Believe me; I am talking from the bottom of the heart.”
Crystal Carrick, 25, is a mom of two children, a 6 year old daughter and an 11 month old son, with another daughter expected in January 2012. She cherishes the precious time she spends with her children: “We have three cats, which my daughter adores, and we like to read books together, sing and watch movies.
This family shares a substandard apartment with just one bedroom and living room. The building is poorly heated and insulated. The walls are infested with mold, and the apartment has fallen victim to burglary. Crystal’s biggest fear was that, without action, these dangerous living conditions would continue to threaten the health and future of her young children.
Despite a full-time job at Frito-Lay, Crystal found it difficult to accomplish homeownership – that is, until Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna came into the picture. Crystal started discussing Habitat’s homeownership program with her family, and finally applied in September 2010. She was approved for a rehab home on 22 Defense Drive in Aberdeen, and will move in at the end of this year.
Crystal is anxious to have a home with more elbow room, and a yard for the children to enjoy. “My kids will have a place to play and a backyard to run around. They will be able to have their own space and I can have a room to myself,” she said. “This is going to be a wonderful change for us. We are so excited and happy.”
Once she settles down, Crystal also plans to seize the opportunity to continue her educational pursuits, not just for herself, but for the sake of her kids. “My long-term goal is to go back to school and do something positive for my life,” she explained, “to show my children that I love them and want the best for them, too.”
Rehabilitation of the house on 22 Defense Drive would not have been possible without the support of committed volunteers, donors, and sponsors including Harford Mutual Insurance Company, the main house sponsor. Crystal desires to extend her gratitude to all who brought the light of hope back into her life.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to have a home built for my family,” she expressed. “I thank all of the Habitat staff for their hard work and for making the dream of giving my children a house a reality. Thanks to the volunteers who work hard to build and renovate the place my family will call home. I thank everyone that helped to make this all possible. ”
“God bless you all! You make miracles happen. ”
Kevin Warren and Lura Price yearn to create better lives for their four children – Jarad, 16; Brandon, 13; Kevin (aka “Mikey”), 11; and Shawn, 7.
Like most kids their age, their boys enjoy skateboarding, football and playing video games, and they achieve good grades. Yet, life in a dangerous drug community made it difficult for this growing family to enjoy even a simple game of backyard football. The dodgy neighborhood was compounded by deteriorating living conditions. Their apartment was too small, lacked proper storage space, and was marked by untreated water damage, leaks and weak flooring.
Kevin and Lura realized that, for their family to truly thrive, they needed to seek a fresh start.
For several years, they ruthlessly pursued homeownership, but unresolved credit issues forced them to delay purchase. Instead of throwing in the towel, the couple started working hard to pay off their debt and institute healthy financial habits.
When a realtor and close friend referred them to Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna’s homeownership program, Kevin and Lura took a leap of faith. They applied for a Habitat house of their own. One month later, the family was extended an offer. “Deb called and she said we were perfect for the home and it just went from there,” Lura explained.
The Warren-Price family immediately started earning sweat equity, a process that opened their eyes to the value of perseverance and responsible homeownership. They also forged long-lasting and meaningful relationships with other Habitat volunteers. In fact, Lura recently obtained full-time work thanks to the generosity of a fellow construction volunteer.
“I got my job volunteering. My [current] supervisor from Hollywood Casinos offered me a job,” she said. “It’s great to know that there is help for people who want to help themselves but can’t seem to get both feet down. ” On September 9, 2011, after many hours of volunteer work and financial education, the Warren-Price family will finally move from their too-small apartment into a spacious home on Cherry Lane in Elkton. “This is what we’ve been working for,” Lura expressed, her voice full of joyfulness.
So, how does the future look for the Warren-Price family? For now, Lura says, they are aiming to achieve financial stability and consistency. They also plan to continue on as Habitat volunteers, even after they move into the home they now call their own. “I definitely will continue to do it,” she said. “I’d like to be there to say ‘Habitat helped me,’ so we’re trying to give back. ” Lura and the rest of the Warren-Price family wish to convey their deep gratitude to the home sponsors and volunteers who helped make homeownership possible. “Thank you for sponsoring!” she exclaimed. “We do appreciate this very much. ”
It’s true. You never know what you can do until you try. Or in my case, apply! My name is Rhonda Baker. I am 36 years old. Me and my children, Danyon 19 and Danielle 5 have been blessed to be selected as a partner family with Habitat for Humanity. After years of diligently working to get my financial footing to a place that I felt was stable enough to attempt to buy a home for me and my kids, my dream will finally be coming true very soon.
In December of 2010, I started attending every first time homebuyers’ seminar I could find. I must have gone to at least 4 before the end of February. I took notes, picked up every flier, business card, folder, glass/cup, key chain and reusable bag I could find. Talked to and shook hands with many counselors, realtors, and title company reps. Bank representatives were more than happy to talk to you until they saw your income. Then what was, “We can absolutely get you into a home of your own. We can definitely get you approved for a home loan,” turns into, “You don’t have ANY other forms of income?” Then in May, I went to one place that truly wanted to help. Not a bank. A place called Home Partnership, Inc.
I went to the 4 hour first time homebuyers’ workshop. They gave a lot of information that I had already heard, but they also gave me information about agencies and services that I didn’t know was available. There were several different speakers at the workshop. I took lots of notes…again. The facilitator of the workshop, Kim Cowie, seemed to be very knowledgeable as well. Kim is who I would wind up going back to see for my 1-on-1 counseling session in June 2010. I bought all of the documents she asked me to bring plus some. She told me what I had been told before, that with my income, I wouldn’t qualify for an affordable home loan. She didn’t say that I couldn’t get a loan. She said it wouldn’t be affordable for my income. She then proceeded to tell me about Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna. She told me that she would have to check the numbers for me, but she was sure that I would qualify. Sure enough, I qualified! She had me schedule to come back in and complete the Habitat application and gave me the phone number. I called as soon as I got to my car and spoke with Deb. She signed me up for the next orientation date in July. I went to the orientation, listened and learned and completed the pre-application. To TRY and make this long story short, a few weeks later, I received a letter from Deb asking me for more information which I sent to her promptly. After some waiting, my home visit, and a little more waiting, I received a call from Deb in November saying that we had been accepted as a partner family! I feel so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity because I felt like it wasn’t going to happen.
My daughter is now so excited about being able to have her own room (we share one now) and she is looking forward to having a back yard to play in with her friends and little cousin. My son is looking forward to the change in scenery as well. My friends and family are so happy for us and looking forward to being able to come and help us build our new home.
As I have been completing my sweat equity hours, I have met some really nice people, including my future neighbors. Everyone is so helpful on the construction sites and willing to show you anything you want to learn to do and I look forward to learning more. I have also gained a lot of information from the financial education classes that I have attended.
I love to cook and look forward to being able to cooking some wonderful meals in our new kitchen and filling our new home with wonderful memories. Thank you for this opportunity Habitat Susquehanna!
“I moved my parents, Cesar, 62, and Maria, 52, to the United States from Honduras in 2005 for a better life,” wrote Denia Weatherby, the Girons’ 32 year-old daughter. “At that time, I wasn’t able to get my little sister here. It took five years of waiting due to immigration laws to get her here. Gabriela, 17, met up with us in 2010.”
Denia, herself a single mother of two, shares her apartment with a roommate, her parents and her sister. Cesar, Maria and Gabriela live together in one of the three bedrooms. In addition to offering insufficient space, the residence is situated in a risky neighborhood infamous for drug trafficking.
Both Cesar and Maria clock long hours at a local cleaning company, never abandoning the hope that their circumstances will improve.
“My mom and dad have worked all their life to support a family of 6 kids,” Denia said. “My parents’ dreams are to own a house, a place to call home, where they can catch up on lost time with Gabriela. Their biggest goal is to put Gabriela through college.”
The Girons eventually discovered Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna through Rite Aid, where Denia works. This year, the Girons will move into a refurbished Habitat home at 417 Washington Street, Aberdeen, just in time for Christmas.
“My parents agree that there are not enough words to thank the staff, volunteers and sponsors of Habitat,” Denia explained. “My mom said, ‘[We have] never come across such nice people as the Habitat staff’.”
Cesar agreed: “It’s a dream come true.”
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