Local Habitat for Humanity hosts special service to kick off home restoration project for recipient Rylee Long

 

[June 28, 2022] 

The Habitat for Humanity of Logan County hosted a special event on Sunday afternoon at 1017 Tremont Street in Lincoln. Typically, when the HFH announces a new home recipient, it is during a ground breaking ceremony and the announcement is about a home that will be built and turned over to the recipient when completed.

The event Sunday involved a house that already exists but it is in need of some tender loving care to be made a livable home again.

The property had been abandoned by the owners and was suffering from neglect and also causing a public nuisance in the community. Under those circumstances, the city of Lincoln took over the house and then placed it for sale to the highest bidder. City Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall had told the city that he felt the house could be restored and the HFH bid on the project based on that information.



On Sunday afternoon, HFH Board President Tonita Reifsteck explained that the home is going to be project number 26, even though home build number 27 has already been celebrated with a ground breaking.

Reifsteck explained that the 1017 Tremont Street address was designated as the 26th home, but there had been delays in getting to the point of starting work on the home. Therefore number 27, which will be a new construction home located at 330 Fourth Street and will be turned over to recipient Anthony Gitelson. That home will be built by the Lincolnland Technical Education Center Building Trades class with construction set to being in the next school year.

Reifsteck said this home would be done by HFH volunteers and would be completed much sooner.

Reifsteck introduced the members of city government that were on hand, who included Mayor Tracy Welch and Ward 3 Aldermen Wanda Lee Rohlfs and Kevin Bateman.

Welch noted that he is an admirer of the HFH program and that when he began as mayor, he imagined being able to work with HFH to rescue abandoned homes in Lincoln. He said that he was excited to see this come about and was hopeful that it would be the beginning of something very good for the city, for HFH, and for the families who are in need of good housing.



Rohlfs was called on to speak, and she said one of the things she loves most about her community is the willingness to reach out and show love to those who need the support. She said that HFH program is so important to those who are in need of a home and in need of the community support that projects like this create.



Bateman said he would just echo what had been said by Welch and Rohlfs. He felt it was very important to do what is possible to save homes that have been neglected but yet have good sound structures.

After the Litany of Purpose, Reverend Glenn Shelton was called up for the scripture reading. Reifsteck noted that Shelton has been a member of the HFH board, has served the city of Lincoln as an alderman, and is a beloved pastor in our community.

Rev. Shelton read Proverbs 3:27-28. (27) “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. (28) Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again…”

He used the verses as an example saying that HFH does not say “go and come again” they say “you are welcome, we have something for you.” He thanked all those within the organization that do their jobs so well so that others might benefit.



Carrie Osborn is a member of the selection committee and was called on to lead the Litany of Promise.



The restoration of the house will be led by HFH members Bob Chamberlain and Jamie Voyles. Chamberlain was asked to make a few remarks. He began by thanking the city for working with HFH to acquire the property. He explained that the home had living spaces on the ground floor that included a family area, kitchen and dining area a fireplace and one bedroom and bathroom. The second floor of the house has four bedrooms and a bathroom. The family receiving the home consists of a single mom with four children. He noted that each child will be able to have a private bedroom.

Chamberlain then called for volunteers to help with the restoration of the home. He said people are always needed and it didn’t matter if someone could work a few hours or a few days or weeks, all help was appreciated and everyone would be put to work if they came on construction days. Reifsteck noted that a work schedule will be established and posted on the HFH website.



Laura Sandrolini was asked to speak as a member of the selection committee who had done the interviews with perspective home recipients. She noted to the group in attendance that it was her first time doing such interviews and she had been very unaware of what it was she should look for as a measure of eligibility.

Because she wasn’t sure what she was to be looking for, she simply observed everything she could. She said she saw a young woman who is a single mother with four young children, no support from a father, and living in an apartment that was much too small for the family. She said she saw a recipe for disaster for the young family. But, she said she also saw a home that was very clean and welcoming. She saw young children who were very well behaved and sat quietly with their mother during the interview, and she saw a young woman who wants to do the best she can by her family. Sandrolini also said that the recipient has lots of family support with baby sitting and other needs and she is employed. The home, Sandrolini said would provide a place with adequate space for the family, a yard to play in for the children, and an improved way of life for the family.


Rylee Long holding daughter Zoee. Left to right sons Zkiel, Zaedin and Zyen.

The recipient was introduced. The home will go to Rylee Long with her four children, Zaedin, Zyen, Zkiel and Zoee.



Reifsteck and Long recited the Litany of Hope, and then Jane Ryan led the Litany of Faith. Long was asked for comments, and simply said that she was very appreciative of the opportunity she has been given and thanked everyone for coming to attend the special kick-off service.


 

Board member Jane Ryan was called upon to lead the Litany of Faith.

Reifsteck then shifted gears and turned to a second important topic of the day.

She explained that years ago a ‘Wall of Fame” had been established at the HFH Logan County. The wall recognizes those who go above and beyond to work with and for HFH and to bring change to the lives of new homeowners.

She named the first recipient for 2022 as Donna Boyd. Reifsteck noted that Boyd was the driving force behind getting the old bank drive thru building for the HFH to use as its headquarters. Then she has for the past several year, led the financial training portion of the HFH for new homeowners, giving them knowledge and tools to help guide them into financial security.





The second person named was Reverend Glenn Shelton. Reifsteck noted his love and compassion for the program and his support of HFH as a board member and beyond. She also included Rev. Shelton’s wife Ginger noting the cookies and goodies that were often brought to the work sites by Rev. Shelton from his wife’s kitchen.
 

The third person was Patti Drake. Reifsteck said that Drake was on the board for a ‘good many years” but even when she left the board she has still served HFH faithfully. Drake’s talents include preparing documents such as the programs for the groundbreakings and dedications and much more. It is an effort that is needed and very much appreciated by the HFH Board.

Boyd and Drake were not present on Sunday.

Reifsteck concluded by saying that the Wall of Fame is on display at the HFH warehouse on Woodlawn Road in Lincoln. She encouraged folks to stop by and view it on open days at the warehouse.

She then turned the event over to Rev. Sheldon for the closing prayer and benediction.

Guests were encouraged to visit with Long and her family and congratulate them on their accomplishments and upcoming new home.

Reifsteck did not say what the timeline is for the restoration project. It will depend on available workers, scheduled work days, and the amount of work to be done, though she said that she hopes it will be soon.

If you are interested in assisting with this project, you are encouraged to visit the warehouse on open days, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

[Nila Smith]