“You know they say there are 8 million stories in the Naked City,” Scioto County Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Chairwoman Laura Walker said on Sunday. “Well, for every application we had, we had a story. I can take each application, and when I finish with it, you're going to be crying.
“But who has the greatest need? Who has the greatest ability to pay? And who will partner with us?”
Walker made her remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ruby and Mackie Kingery family on Essman Sugar Camp Road.
HFH is helping the family build a house on a lot there.
During Walker's talk, she explained how HFH families are chosen.
Those seeking help must have a need for that help.
“So the present condition where someone is living must show us they have a need for a house,” Walker said. “Maybe it's overcrowded, maybe there's disrepairs in the house. But they have a need.”
Walker said HFH is not a charitable organization.
“We're not giving away a house,” she said. “We're building a home and this family will have to make a mortgage payment like most of us do.”
Those getting HFH help will be given a no-interest loan.
“People don't mind helping you if you don't mind helping yourself,” Walker said. “That's what we're all about.”
Therefore, the Kingery's and other HFH family must help with the physical part of building the house.
“If you're just going to sit around and watch everybody else build, no thank you,” Walker said. “You must be willing to get out there build along with us. You must be willing to participate in the things we do. You must be willing to help us take this program a little further.”
Walker said society is missing strong families and strong neighborhoods. But she said the work HFH does helps bring them back.
JEFF BARRON can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.
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