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 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.
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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 (217) 732-6412 or email hfh@habitatlogan.org.
[Nila Smith]
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