Newburgh - The constant rain were not the only showers happening Saturday afternoon. There was another outpouring taking place indoors. This one was made up of large doses of love and appreciation.
At 131 and 133 Carson Avenue in the City of Newburgh, close to 100 people formed a standing room only crowd as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh handed the keys to yet another two new home owners. This time the recipients were the Obie and Bennett families. Dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Habitat for Humaninty of Greater Newburgh has now completed 29 houses to date. Offering a "hands-up" rather than a "hands-out," Habitat allows its Partner Families to purchase homes for 20-years, zero-interest, zero-profit mortgages. Interested parties must further log extensive hours, contributing "sweat equity." The process is long and hard, but the results can be priceless.
"It took a total of about three years, but I felt so happy when I was finally picked," said a smiling Kiamesha Obie, one of the two proud new Carson Avenue homeowners. "It just feels so good to have this day here; it’s just so overwhelming."
Kiamesha, along with her three sons, daughter and grandchildren will be moving into the 131 Carson Avenue locale in a little over a week. Complete with a kitchen, livingroom, four bedrooms and a basement, the residence has the distinct honor of being Kiamesha’s first owned home.
"I am very appreciative to Habitat for Humanity, who has helped me incredibly," said Kiamesha directly following Saturday’s dedication. They helped me get the hours I needed and taught me all about owning a house with the classes I took on things like painting and sheetrocking."
Kiamesha plans on wasting little time putting her newfound homeownership knowledge to work. She already knows priority one when she and her family make the official move once the closing is complete.
"I want to paint the livingroom and diningroom brown," indicated Kiamesha.
Meanwhile, her daughter, Katrina, smiling, added, "Then we’re going to put in a fireplace."
Completing the work on the Obie home was Tilcon New York Inc., a division of Oldcastle Materials, an award-winning construction materials business. The Carson street home is the first Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh residence wearing the Tilcon mark.
"We believe our sponsorship of new housing through Habitat creates an opportunity for deserving families to grow and prosper in the Greater Newburgh area," remarked John Cooney, Jr. President of Tilcon New York, Inc. "And we believe our support of deserving charities like Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh creates a strong foundation for a better greater Newburgh area in the future.
The 133 Carson Avenue residence, home of the Bennett Family, including Sherry, Teona, Robert and DeAsia, is the third Habitat Family sponsored by the Orange County Association of Realtors (OCAR) in Newburgh.
"When we agreed to sponsor our first home, we were unprepared for the overwhelming support of our members," explained Ann Garti, CEO of OCAR. "Supporting Habitat’s mission is something we hope to be involved with for many years to come."
If you too want to be a part of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh’s far-reaching cause an event is open to the public on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at Newburgh’s Downing Park. At 1 p.m. the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh’s 9th annual 5k walk for decent, affordable housing will take place. The day will include live entertainment, face painting, hot air balloons and many other family activities. Go to www.habitatnewburgh.org to download everything you will need for this popular and important walk event.
