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Habitat Berks Celebrates a New Homeowner

by Habitat for Humanity of Berks County

Habitat Berks Celebrates a New Homeowner

On May 11, Habitat for Humanity of Berks County will celebrate their latest home dedication on Tulpehocken Street, Reading.

Jennifer was living on Tulpehocken Street and saving for a house when she learned that her landlord was selling the home where she lived with her two children.  Her landlord didn’t want to wait until Jennifer was ready to purchase, and through no fault of her own, she found herself homeless.  Employed part-time by DoubleTree Hilton, Reading, she was allowed to stay at the hotel while she got back on her feet and her role at DoubleTree expanded to full-time. Jennifer gave Habitat Berks a call and learned about the first-time homeowner program.  It also happened that Habitat would have a home available sooner than they typically would because a Habitat homeowner had made the decision to sell his home of two and half years.

“Jennifer came to Habitat Berks credit ready and with money saved up,” said Director of Family Services Eneida Powell.  “She is going through her sweat equity hours with warp speed.”

Jennifer completed her sweat equity hours by volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity of Berks County ReStore, working at the Habitat for Humanity Birdhouse Challenge and attending financial education classes.

“We witnessed her desire and determination to become a homeowner in the City of Reading,” said Executive Director, Tim Daley.

“The other side of this story is the Habitat homeowner who made the decision to sell,” explained Daley.  “He has advanced in his job and his family has grown so he decided to move to a bigger place.  The equity he has acquired in two and half years, has helped him to do that.”