A ceremony on May 23 marked the 126th Habitat Home in Bucks County and included the community, volunteers, friends, family, new neighbors, sponsors, and distinguished guests united in celebration of the completion of this affordable home.
The three-bedroom home at 30 Hillcrest Ave. in Morrisville, was dedicated with Danielle as the grateful recipient.
“I was so excited!” said Danielle. “Truly a dream come true. I have been waiting for years to finally have a house to call home for my children.”
Danielle, as a single mother of three, has always dreamed of being able to provide her family with a house of their own. Living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment left the family little room for study or privacy. Initially, Danielle reached out to Habitat in 2018. She never gave up hope and kept focused on her dream. Danielle invested her sweat equity and time in Habitat financial workshops and her confidence grew.
“I was new to the Bucks County area and went to the Langhorne ReStore with my sister just to shop and check the store out,” said Danielle. “While there, I found out more information. After patiently waiting and praying and never giving up I received an email, I believe, last November to come in person for a class to learn more information because homes were soon to be available.”
Florence Kawoczka, executive director, Habitat Bucks, welcomed the crowd of over 40 people and offered an opening prayer.
“We look forward to presenting the keys to Danielle,” said Kawoczka. “She has worked very hard to fulfill her dream of homeownership. Habitat Bucks has been honored to partner with Danielle on her journey.”
“Our new home has affected my children in a huge positive way,” said Danielle. “My kids have watched me working two jobs, saving money, volunteering, attending workshops and still being a mom. I have always taught my children to never give up, always chase after your dreams. You can accomplish anything in this world that you want as long as you put your all into it and that’s exactly what I did. My kids are so appreciative of all the hard work I put into making our wish come true.”
Gary Pruden, board president, spoke briefly on the mission and vision of Habitat Bucks. Robert Harvie, Jr., chairman of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, and Judith Danko, manager of Morrisville Borough, also gave remarks. Chi-Chi Owunwanne, KeyBank’s corporate responsibility offer/community relations manager, presented the ceremonial key to Danielle and her family.
Stefanie Clark, family program director, presented gifts to the family for their new home. A Bible and quilts were given to the children from Quilts for Kids, Philadelphia chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America.
Colleen Brink, marketing and outreach director, offered the house blessing and benediction asking for “unity within this home.”
The family received two flags, one from state Sen. Steve Santarsiero’s office and one compliments of U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
The lead sponsors of the project are Bank of America, KeyBank and Bucks County Foundation.
Since breaking ground, more than 200 individual volunteers, along with those from local businesses, faith groups, organizations and schools, have contributed over 1,218 hours working with Habitat Bucks and the family to build this 126th home.
Clark gave closing remarks and invited guests to tour the home and sign the journal on the kitchen counter.
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