FSS Newsletter :: September/October 2003

Quote of the Month
"Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more
important than the outcome. Not everyone can be Number 1."

Arthur Ashe

Homeownership Dreams Become Reality for FSS Former Family

With the help of Habitat for Humanity Tuscarawas Valley, and an assist from
her participation in the TMHA FSS Program, Patty Stull and her two sons Bruce and Curtis, now count themselves among the newest home owners in New
Philadelphia.

Marty Chumney had a chance to catch up with Patty recently and conducted
the following interview:

MC) What do you like best about owning your own home?
Patty) It?s mine! There is pride that comes with ownership. I especially
like the control, as in not having to ask a landlord about making any
changes to the property. I can do as I please now.

MC) How do you feel about the Habitat for Humanity Program?
Patty) I feel that it is a very good program. However, my family was just
the second family selected by the Tuscarawas County chapter as it is a new
one. Obviously there is going to be some unorganization and growing pains
at first. This chapter of Habitat is reliant on all volunteers to make it
work.

MC) Why do you think that your family was one of the first to be selected
by Habitat?
Patty) I think that we had a real need for more space compared to our
apartment and having the escrow funds from participating in the FSS program
gave us money for the downpayment.

MC) What were some of the requirements to participate in Habitat?
Patty) Our family was required to work 250 hours on the house. The kids
worked especially hard. We helped with the framing and drywall, painting
and my dad is an electrician and helped in that area. I was also allowed to
do some community service hours which I fulfilled by chaperoning at the
Lighthouse.

MC) Have you experienced anything negative about being a homeowner?
Patty) Not so far.

MC) What obstacles or challenges have you overcome in reaching your
homeownership goal?
Patty) I had to have back surgery back in February and that has really
limited what I can do physically. That also impacted my ability to work.

MC) Are you able to work now?
Patty) Right now I am involved in a work assignment with Creative
Rehab where I have a work assignment at Brightwood Day Care. This is part
of my vocational rehabilitation since my back surgery

MC) What future goals to you have?
Patty) I am striving to get a good paying job that I can do with my current
physical limitations. I am interested in taking coursework at Buckeye
Career Center in the areas of computers or accounting.

MC) What advice would you give other FSS families striving for homeownership?
Patty) Do your homework and don?t be afraid to ask for help. I was referred
to both Habitat and the New Phila CHIP program which provided me
downpayment assistance funds to help me purchase the home by the housing
authority. Don?t be afraid to ask for the assistance because services are
out there.