A once-blighted property in Bristol Borough is now a home for a family.
Just before Christmas, Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County welcomed a family to a fresh home on Spruce Street.
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The family – Elaine and her two teenage children – were welcomed to the new home just in time for the holiday season.
“Every Habitat home dedication is special, but being able to partner with Elaine and the local faith community, bringing her family home for the holidays, is an extra blessing,” said Florence Kawoczka, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.
A total of 90 volunteers spent 1,052 hours building the new home on the site of what just a year ago was a blighted property, Kawoczka said.
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Prior to being demolished, the home was in bad shape.
“It was, in fact, quiet dangerous to enter,” Kawoczka said.
The new home was built by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County in partnership with Thrivent, a member-owned financial services organization, and the local faith community.
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“It is an opportunity for us to put deeds to our faith and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. It’s our chance to thank God,” said John Roesinger, a financial advisor for Thrivent.
The new homeowner, Elaine, is a graduate of the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s self-sufficiency program. She also took part in Habitat for Humanity’s financial-empowerment program and then applied for homeownership.
Elaine and her entire family put their own sweat equity into building the home.
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The family had been living in a cramped and expensive apartment until recently.
Gary Pruden, the president of the Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County’s board of directors, said it was nice to see the family at their new home. He said a family finding a home can change their lives.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick congratulated the family. He said he hopes the family is able to take part in the numerous community events that are hosted in the borough.
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Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, whose family is from Bristol Borough, said the timing of completing the home was perfect and lined up with the holidays.
“This is definitely part of the Christmas spirit and exhibiting what the season really should be about,” he said of the family receiving the keys to their new home.
Bristol Borough Council member-elect Maria Figueroa, who started in her first home through a similar program years ago, applauded the nonprofit for their work helping residents obtain safe housing.
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Elaine thanked everyone for contributing to the house.
“Thank you so much. This has been a phenomenal experience for us,” she said. “Just thank you all so much.”
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Kawoczka said the rising prices of construction material cost the nonprofit $57,000 more than projected, but donors came together to help cover the price tag.
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