Lawton Habitat for Humanity holds home dedication

Image
  • Lawton Habitat for Humanity
Body

LAWTON – Just in time for the holidays, members and supporters of Lawton’s Habitat for Humanity gathered to welcome Ms. Pamela Harris into her new home.

Sunday, Dec. 15, Ms. Harris and her family met with the organization’s board members to dedicate the home, finalize the details, and pick up the key to her recently renovated three-bedroom, one-bath home. The remodel includes neutral tile and laminate flooring throughout, as well as a walk-in shower to ensure her safety. It is also well-insulated and energy-efficient to keep utility costs down with Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather. “This house had been abused,” said Habitat for Humanity’s Patty Neuwirth.

“There were holes in the walls, graffiti everywhere, broken windows – it looked as though it had been vandalized.” Under the direction of contractor and Habitat board member Mike Cornish, Ms. Harris, her son Jimmy Speegle and his wife, Reina, donated hundreds of hours to complete the project. As part of Habitat for Humanity’s program, 1,500 hours of sweat equity must be completed by the homeowner or his or her family or friends. With zero-interest home loans, Habitat for Humanity offers affordable housing for those who qualify.

Arlie Hampton, Family Nurture Chair for Habitat for Humanity, also offers education on financial habits, health, legal entanglements and family dynamics, added Selection Committee Chair and President Jenny Breeden. Ms. Harris came from Tennessee three years ago to be closer to her son and his family. “I’ll take care of her because she has always taken care of me,” said Speegle. “It’s a new start in a new house, new community, and with her family and Habitat for Humanity, Ms. Harris has a tremendous support system,” said Breeden. “Habitat’s main mission is to put people who could not afford a regular mortgage, in decent, affordable housing,” said Patty Neuwirth.

“This is our 23rd home to dedicate in the Lawton area.” Currently Habitat for Humanity has two houses in Lawton in the organization’s inventory, and they are looking for potential homeowners. “We’re hoping to get another family into a home pretty soon,” said Neuwirth. Habitat for Humanity is located at 1006 SW E Ave., Lawton. For more details, call 580-250-1700 or visit www.habitatlfs.org.

“It’s a new start in a new house, new community, and with her family and Habitat for Humanity, Ms. [Pamela] Harris has a tremendous support system.” Jenny Breeden Lawton Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity

Pamela Harris and her son, Jimmy Speegle, cut the ribbon during the dedication of her new home on Dec. 15. From left are Patty Neuwirth, Speegle,
Harris, Jenny Breeden, Mike Cornish and Arlie Hampton.