The newest owner of a Habitat for Humanity home is close to moving in. 

On Wednesday, sponsors of the most recent project on Mead Street had the opportunity to see the progress made on the house as volunteers make the finishing touches. 

“Without support of kind and generous people and businesses, the work of Habitat for Humanity could not continue,” said Melissa Best, Director of Community Engagement for Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio. 

Soon, a mother of two young children with a third on the way will be moving into her own house.

“As you can imagine, she’s grateful for a safe, decent place to call home,” said Best. 

Even though she is pregnant, Delisa Churchill has been putting in the work to help build her house. 

“It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I accomplished something, even though it was the help from everybody here, and it wasn’t just something I did,” said Churchill. “That’s why I try to come over and work on it when I can.”

She moved out of her apartment and has been living with family and friends to save money for her mortgage, which she noted will actually cost less each month than what she was paying in rent. 

Churchill, a healthcare worker, has also been taking any shift she can to save money for the home.

Soon, those dreams of owning a home will become a reality.

“It’s a really good experience,” said Churchill.  “Everybody here is really awesome people, and my kids are really happy.”

In addition to the staff and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity, Merrill Lynch stepped up locally as a major sponsor of the project. 

“Thanks to our supporters, we are able to build more homes and serve more families right here in Muskingum County,” said Best.