By Kate Courter, Americorps Member & Resource Development Coordinator
August 28th was a rainier day than expected. Just minutes before the keys were presented to our newest Habitat MontDelco homeowner, it was down pouring. That did not stop the gathered band of donors, volunteers, government officials, staff, and family from celebrating this special moment for Maria Puelo and her sons.
After many years of one unsustainable housing option after another, Maria now has a place to call her own where she can raise her sons with peace of mind. Maria has been involved with Habitat for several years as an Almost Home financial literacy student, an applicant, and now as a homeowner. Her tireless dedication to her financial stability, her job as a frontline medical worker, and her love of her sons Juan and Carlos are emblematic of the work we do at Habitat MontDelco. We are honored to get to play a part in her journey towards homeownership.
“Homeownership for me means freedom! I don’t have to live in a house and worry about a landlord. I can paint my walls if I want to. I can have a Christmas tree! We haven’t had a Christmas tree in 5 years. This is going to be my forever home that I hope to pass on to my kids. This is our anchor; we are finally dropping our anchor. No more moving around.” -Maria
A home represents so much more than a roof over one’s head. It provides stability, safety, and proven increases in health, education, and wellbeing. Every day when our staff comes into work, our donors make a gift, or our volunteers arrive on site this is what we are working for- fulfilling the dreams of those in our community who just need a little help from their neighbors. We at Habitat MontDelco are so grateful to everyone who makes this mission possible.
You can watch the full home dedication on our Facebook page.
We were also joined at the home dedication by many special guests:
Thank you to Norristown’s Council President Derrick Perry and Councilman Hakim Jones for joining us in this dedication and sharing words of encouragement to Maria.
Thank you to 70th District Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew Bradford for sharing a warm letter and welcoming her to your legislative district.
Thank you to Customers Bank, who sponsored Maria’s home and presented a check for $191,852!
Thank you to Reverend Mary Konopka for blessing Maria’s home.
August 28th was a special day for me as well. It was my first at Habitat MontDelco and marked a week since I arrived in Philadelphia after a long drive from Iowa. For many present, Maria’s home dedication marked a wonderful conclusion to years of work. For me, it was a perfect way to start my journey here. I got to see the firsthand impact our affiliate has right off the bat.
Today Habitat MontDelco has several properties in development that we will transform into forever homes like Maria’s with your help. When this community comes together we can do great things for our neighbors.
Check out some pictures of the dedication and Maria’s beautiful new home!
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