A New Home For The Holidays … And Beyond
Amique Thomas’ children seemed unfazed by the dozens of people talking and laughing above them. Above them? Yes; Zaire and her brother Zion were immersed in the new books waiting for them when they arrived with mom to take possession of their new home – the Catholics for Habitat 2015 build.
Bishop Charles C. Thompson blessed the home, the 25th overall that Catholic volunteers have built for Evansville’s Habitat for Humanity. It is the 10th home completed since Catholics for Habitat formed in 2005. It’s also the 10th home that Habitat for Humanity completed in Evansville during 2014, and the 437th in the organization’s local history.
“I just thank everybody for coming out,” Thomas told the group who gathered for the home’s blessing and ceremonial ribbon cutting. She truly did enjoy her first home-filling celebration; attendees literally spilled out onto the porch of the Evans Street property.
In 2015, Habitat for Humanity will see a special home built in Evansville, according to Executive Director Beth Folz. “We have been chosen from among 1,500 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country by an anonymous donor from outside the area to build a home in honor of Pope Francis,“ Folz said. She said the donor will provide $60,000 toward the funds necessary to complete the Pope Francis Build.
Thomas’ home has three bedrooms and one bath. She came into the Habitat program in December 2013 and performed 300 hours of work with Habitat. Like all the other partner families who have earned Habitat homes, she will close on the home and have a mortgage.
“I’m proud of everyone here today,” said Habitat board member Tricia Hollander Henning, who presented Thomas with a Bible for her new home and a gift sampler. “I’m especially proud to be Catholic today as I look around this room and recognize all of (the Catholics for Habitat volunteers) and know all of the things you have done through all the years for our community and our Catholic Church. I thank all of you.
“I am especially proud of you,” she said, turning to Thomas. “I think you set an incredible example. I know it’s not easy working full-time, raising children and putting in 300 sweat-equity hours; and yet you persevered. There is a lot to be said for that.”
Rev. Adrian Brooks Sr., Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville, offered the ceremony’s opening and closing prayers. As the event concluded, he asked God to “be their shelter when they’re at home, their companion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return.”
The Message thanks Catholics for Habitat volunteers who kept us informed about progress on this home, which enabled us to provide ongoing coverage of the build. Look for more of the same this year!
