Habitat for Humanity hosts home dedication

MORRIS – Five-year-old Estefany Gonzalez smiled as she saw her new room painted with light and turquoise blue colors, inspired by her favorite movie “Frozen.”

“She was fighting for that color. It’s one of her favorite movies,” said her father, Jose Gonzalez.

Jose, his wife, Margarita, and their two daughters, Estefany and Isabella, 18 months, are new Morris homeowners thanks to efforts by volunteers, donors and the Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity nonprofit organization.

The Gonzalez family was among two families selected for a Habitat for Humanity home in late 2012 based on their need, ability to pay a mortgage and willingness to partner with the organization, according to a news release.

The Gonzalez home is the third of five to be constructed in the Habitat for Humanity subdivision, the Hancock Page Subdivision, on the former paper mill property.

Julie Wilkinson, board president of the organization welcomed the community to witness its 11th habitat home dedication to the family Saturday at 930 E. North St. in Morris, where the Gonzalez family gave their thanks to supporters and also received gifts, including a Bible and gift basket.

The dedication ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the Gonzalez home, which includes three bedrooms, a laundry room, bathroom, kitchen and dining room.

“The truly good men and women are the ones that have come to this place every weekend to help my family and I build our dream and my family’s home. To me, every single nail, every minute that you spent behind the desk and every time you thought about my family’s future means more than a lot,” Jose said to the crowd. “I will be so thankful for the rest of my life, and I will pray to God so one day I can help the same way I got help from you.”

Jose said it felt like he was closing a chapter of his life. Margarita said she feels blessed becoming a new homeowner.

“It’s amazing. Everyone’s coming to help us,” Margarita said after the dedication. “This is the best Christmas gift.”

Kevin Brown, owner of Brown Bear Painting, said it took one day to paint the entire house with 12 volunteers, including some from Brown Bear Painting and Grundy Bank.

The youngest daughter, Isabella, requested her room be painted bubblegum pink.

“It was fun seeing what colors they wanted to pick for their room and was a really rewarding experience,” Brown said.

State Rep. John Anthony, R-Plainfield, also helped paint the house for the Gonzalez family and was present at the dedication.

“Watching those two girls up there and knowing this will forever change their lives gave me the satisfaction of saying I contributed toward that,” Anthony said after the ceremony.

Two years ago, when the Gonzalez family were selected for a Habitat home, the couple was expecting their second daughter and was unable to afford an adequate apartment in an area where they felt safe raising their family, according to the news release.

Since that time, Jose and Margarita have completed a required 400 hours of sweat equity toward construction, assisting with fundraisers, selling raffle tickets, baking for and serving at the Corn Festival Farm Fair Dinner and more.

The family currently shares one bedroom in the basement of Margarita’s family’s home in Channahon and will purchase their house from Habitat this week with a down payment and no-interest mortgage.

Sarah Peterson, executive director of Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity, said the family will have moved into the house by Christmas.

Since being selected, Jose has completed his associate’s degree and has secured full-time employment. Margarita continues to balance a full course load in culinary school while caring for their daughters.

“He works full time, she goes to school and they have kids and made time to be here. That says a lot about their character and commitment for them wanting this for their family,” Wilkinson said after the dedication.

Jose said Habitat for Humanity not only provided his family with a home, but also taught them a valuable lesson.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, how young or old you are, your help is as valuable as any other. And your help can change lives,” Jose said.

Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing by providing simple, decent homes for low-income families.

For information, contact Habitat at 815- 942-1452 or info@grundy3rivershabitat.org.