Habitat for Humanity volunteers finish building home for local family Save Email Print
Posted: 10:26 PM Aug 17, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:47 AM Aug 18, 2008
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It was a double celebration for Habitat for Humanity Sunday -- another home and another donation.

Volunteers blessed the new home in the 100-block of South Walnut Street in South Bend.

More than 250 volunteers worked for eight weeks to build the home for Sharnae Jones and her family.

"It feels real good that I've helped to build the home, and I'll appreciate it a lot more," said Jones. "I started last July. I needed to complete 300 sweat equity hours, and actually as of yesterday morning, I was completed, done with the 300 hours."

Volunteers from Comcast were also in on the action.

Back in May, they helped clear debris from the lot where the house would go up. On Sunday, the company presented a check for more than $6,000 to Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County.
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Posted by: Latisha Location: Baltmore Md on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I wasn't finished. This topic is a double edge sword because it does not prtain to one particular set of people. I volunteered my time to habitat when I was younger (before kids:) and I felt then like I do now...people need help, some more than others but we all need help. It makes me sad to see a battle out of something that can be beneficial for us all.COMPASSION. What is needed to make this possible. I understand the woes of being married and barely making it. Another reason I am home is daycare is so expensive, but we manage. There are some people that take this opportunity for granted and some that take it nd run with, uplift themselves to be better. I guess its what you take from it. Question: Does anyone know if they holds the deeds to there own property? My heard someone say that habitat has to approve any alterations they do and she needed them to verify her occupancy for her kids school.
Posted by: Latisha Location: Baltimore,MD on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:16 AM
As I sat here reading through all of these comments, I was astonished. Let me give you some background, I am a 24 year old, MARRIED,mother of 3. I am a stay home mom because I am in school WORKING towards my bachelor's degree in finance. I understood everyone's point despite how mean or insulting they are. Reality of the matter is that this program gives hope to a class of people that may otherwise not have any. At the same token it insults the working class that makes to much to benefit and not enough to live as comfortable as ey deserve. Unfortunately, alot of us fall in that class. No matter how you slice it the system is flawed, they build in not so great neighborhood's because people that $1500 in mortgage won't stand for it. Why should you? You worked for better. Let's keep in mind these people put in the labor for it but it is not same as making the right decisions to get there on your own. I do congratulate these people and I hope that they were given the tools to make it.
Posted by: Someone on Aug 23, 2008 at 11:25 PM
I thought this was supposed to be about congratulating someone for being blessed with a new home? I would just like to congradulate this woman. After researching the HFH program, it is a shame that people can make such uninformed judgments against people they dont even know. I wish people could stop and count their blessings sometime instead of complaining about what the next person is doing. May God bless all of you.
Posted by: Once Again... on Aug 23, 2008 at 11:20 PM
So now I am arrogant?? I paid my self funded college tuition by working 2 jobs in high school. I learned my "lending lesson" when I over paid for the vehicle I currently own, besides isnt that the point learn from your lessons?? I am not a breeder nor do I really dont care what your obviously bitter behind has to say about me. Dont be mad at me because I became a homeowner before 30. I am not bragging I was standing up for something I believe in and no it is not assistance, Habitat is a self funded organization. I have paid for everything I own. And I promise you this is the last time I even acknowledge comments coming from someone as ignorant as you. Oh and for the record I have a savings account, a checking account, a Christmas account and 401k and just incase you are wondering, yeah now I am bragging.
Posted by: To Proud Habitat.... on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:08 PM
You are an arrogant B. How dare you portray yourself in a superior position because you "read the fine print" and were smart enough to find a zero % loan. That my dear, is ASSISTANCE. Somewhere, that loan is being subsidized. Those of us that don't breed, save a 20% down payment, and are considered middle class with a savings account DO NOT qualify for a 0% loan. That is because we are expected to pay our way. Be careful what you brag about. Oh, by the way....who paid for your college? I think the goal of all of these charity programs (and yes, it is charity) is for a person to better their lifestyle. But in your case, it doesn't sound like there is much incentive there.
Posted by: MM on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:57 AM
what ever happened to the man providing for his family? we need to find husbands for these people and teach them values. too many americans are following the right way to go while others are pulling us down by going the wrong way.
Posted by: Proud Habitat Location: Home Owner on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:59 PM
To Anon: Check your facts, I graduated from high school and hold an associates degree. I work a steady job I have been at for over 5 years and I have never gotten anything for FREE! So just because you are miserable doesnt mean you can rain on my parade. And for the record I dont have financial aid for anything I pay all my bills and am self sufficient. Not to mention I dont use credit cards or have credit card debt so instead of being mad at me go use your education and read up on something that might make you a better person instead of trying to attack someone you dont know. I have worked since I was 14 years old and I will work until I cant work any more because that is my nature. I dont ask anyone for anything so just because I did the leg work and went out and got me a interest free loan, dont be mad at me because I read the fine print am not going to be like the rest of America and get sucked into a loan that will in turn cost me over 150% of what the house is worth!
Posted by: Bryan Location: South Bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Ahemmm EVERY habitat house I have worked on in the last 6 years looks wonderful and is kept up. Do some research before you spout off in this post. Please. HFH does not use tax dollars. http://www.hfhofmc.org/faq.shtml on the contrary, if you can open your minds a little and see the big picture, once the home owners have a house and a mortgage they are paying...wait for it...ahh there own taxes! Sooo before posting me any more closed minded shortsided pseudo raceist hate messages, RESEARCH a few of the addresses off of the HFH of st joe County web site then drive by and look for your self. Leave the ORiley factor pervert @ home and switch off prescription drug hazed Rush Limbaugh in the car. GO LOOK at what you speak of, show a little civic responsibility. I work 45 to 50 hours a week, have never gone with out a job and have no illegitimate kids.
Posted by: Angry White Woman Location: South Bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Well looks like the majority of whites here are sick and tired of supporting those of another race who use every excuse in the book to get a free ride on the hard earned tax dollars that we whites pay. I find it ironic that I struggle to afford health insurance--yet my tax dollars provide free health care for those who do not work, and sponge off the system. I am white and angry.
Posted by: stacey Location: elkhart on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:41 PM
dont get mad because your mortgage is over 500 a month..get better credit..or at least fix it.why not tear down trashy homes and put up ones that look better?If you look at the Elkhart homes,quite a few home owners are white and married..so stop.and matter of fact one family, the husband is a 15 year veteran of the Marine corp and currently with the National Guard.Earlier families have issues also.Domestic Violence, husband killed by DRUNK DRIVER,and many more. Look at the facts before you judge,,if you would like a home APPLY...
Posted by: Anon on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:25 PM
To Proud Habitat Home Owner: I would not be proud of the fact that you qualified and got one of these homes. I do not qualify and never will because I finished high school, finished my bachelor's degree, and am waiting until I can actually afford to pop out a litter of children. If you think I am jealous, think again. I am proud of not needing financial help and of working for EVERYTHING that I own.
Posted by: JR Location: S.B on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Bryan, I agree with Joe on this issue . As far as getting off my lazy ass and volunteering I get off my lazy ass every morning for the last 30 years at five oclock in the morning to go to work so I can afford to actually pay for my House . And as her having to put in a whole 300 hours on classes and on the house ,big deal. that,s a whole seven weeks out of her life and now that the house is her,s she can go back to sitting on her ass and collect food stamps and welfare checks again.
Posted by: joe Location: south bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Anonymous ... You call this the "Jones family" Well a "family" consists of having both parents and all the children having the same father. All members within the family respect each other and strive to succeed. A broken family still consist of knowing who both parents are and still strive and work together. Don't minimize the definition of "FAMILY" as most do use as if a group of people living in the same house is a family...... ITS NOT... That's a tribe....
Posted by: Buford Location: Here on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I find it amazing that people can find a Christian organization wrong for what they do. Oh, I keep forgetting many people belong to the Demopublican party. The party that that gives wealfare to the rich and poor. It's the party of big government. Wake up!!! Only you can help you be a success. Don't be bitter small person. I have my house and car because I did it!!! I want everyone who got help from their parents to give that money back to them. You didn't earn that!!! I wonder how many people fall into that category!!! Help is help whether it is from an organization or family!!! Stand up for yourselves people!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Bob Location: SB on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Not even close Bryan, we are all very informed. Sweetheart deal indeed, this is a give away to someone who has probably never done anything productive other than reproduce. Jealousy has nothing to do with it, hard working people are fed up with slackers who think the world owes them a free ride. In one year this freebe will look just like the shack it replaced. It is not a matter of kicking someone that is down, it is all about standing up to lazy people who are milking the system. Case in point here.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:07 AM
There are some good points embedded within several posts. In this day and age, why should Habitat be building new houses? Lord knows there are plenty of foreclosed and abandoned properties. Why not purchase and rehab? Save some trees people and clean up neighborhoods ridden with vacant houses.
Posted by: joe Location: south bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Bryan.... I would help but I have to work on Saturday to pay taxes to support this program. Another question I have for you... Don't you ever have a disheartening feeling when all your hard work is put into this only to see it a total wreck in less than a year. I am all for giving and helping but only to those that will care for it long term and will help themselves . You know all to well that this house will most likely be a mess within a year. And all the hard work and tax dollars wasted. And if that doesn't bother you ... Well you must not pay taxes or have never tried to get financial aid for college. It appears that unless you're a single black person with a bunch of kids you will never qualify for anything. Bryan ,,, you can not disagree that there is way to much wasted help for these people and they have gotten used to it as a way of life. These programs make it easier to be lazy and wait for help and use having kids as a excuse to get more. If these people knew that there was no safety net they would get up and go to work and stop having kids they cant afford. I call it....TOUGH LOVE.
Posted by: anonymous Location: SB on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Congratulations to the Jones family on your goal at homeownership, I'm so proud of you!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Posted by: joe Location: south bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Hey WNDU... You should do a story on "Habitat Homes a Year Later" and see if what we are all saying is true... It would be interesting....
Posted by: Michelle Location: Michigan on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:26 AM
One poster wrote that the mortgage is 500 or more. I wish my mortgage was 500. They are interest free, and everything is given to them. you wonder how many children she has by how many different men....
Posted by: Bryan Smith Location: South Bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:25 AM
God bless Sharnae! I hope she never sees the barrage of negative comments posted here from the very SMALL uninformed jelouse people in her community. This is the 6th habitat home I have VOLUNTEERED to work on. Yes, it is a sweetheart deal, keep in-mind though we built something from NOTHING here. The area this home is located was truely one of the scarriest in SB, I used to travel through there before it was leveled and rebuilt with low income housing and I am proud to have helped create a home where a shack once stood. I must emplore the black hearted grinch like posters here to get off of there asses a few Saturday mornings in July and volunteer to help. If kicking someone who is down makes you feel a little better all of you anonymous posters would not believe how much better it feels to help a person up.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:47 PM
I had to build my home. It's not a habitat home or any govt sponsored home. I worked saved 20% and got a mortgage because I had good credit, a job, and I could manage my money. Unlike others I work to pay for everything I have and I work so that my tax dollars support all these programs that reward and encourage people to have to many out of wedlock children and to sponge off the labor of others. Work or go hungry, earn a home of sleep in a shelter.
Posted by: joe Location: south bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Hey F-Y-I.... Are you kidding me... why is there not an equal share of white.. black... young... old... single mom.... single dads.... I don't understand how you can believe what you are saying. Did you get a free house?? if you did that explains it. if not than your just a fool to believe that. and by the way have you followed up a year later to see how the house is or the people it was given to? I have, and almost all are always in ruins. Understand that the reason these people have no home of there own is because they cant afford one. Plus they have no clue how to care for one and just plain don't and wont.
Posted by: Nick on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:04 PM
To say they "work for the house" is a lie. The terms from their website is listed below as follows, "Qualified families must be willing to invest hundreds of volunteer hours in educational classes, on Habitat worksites, and in the building of their own home. Families purchase their home from Habitat at the cost of the materials with a zero-percent interest mortgage, with affordable monthly mortgage payments." Can somone give me a zero percent interest mortgage over 30 years and build me my house at cost?
Posted by: joe Location: South bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I wish someone would show these post to the person getting the FREE home... i wounder if she would still feel so proud to recieve it????
Posted by: Foreclosure on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:56 PM
The foreclosure rate and abandoment of these house is high. I do not agree with the idea that Habitat for Humanity. They could have gone the normal loan route. If they can do that, they shouldn't own a house, they should be renting. If they need section 8 housing, they shouldn't even be allowed to be a US citizen.
Posted by: Renee Location: Niles on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Excuse me but I have applied and I was DENIED and I fall under the low income but since they DO a credit check they refused me and maybe because I'm white.....
Posted by: Proud Habitat Home OWNER Location: Michigan on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Wow so they are free now? Wow some of your comments are amazing! I never knew paying a mortgage, home insurance premiums and even property taxes were all considered free! The reason you people dont qualify is because you are too busy wasting everyones time blaming other people for your situations not to mention you are too selfish to qualify. Part of the requirements are to first work on someone else's home before they begin your home and obviously that would be too much to ask of you complaining citizens. Try living within your means instead of keeping up with the Joneses and things might get a little easier for you not to mention try researching sometime instead of belly aching.
Posted by: Stacy Location: Chicago on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I would like to Congradulate my friend on her new home. She worked really hard to accomplish another mile stone in her life... Love, Stacy P.S. I'm Proud of You!
Posted by: sheryl Location: south bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Has anyone ever seen a solitary Caucasian benefit from this program? I didn't think so.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Actually Anonymous, you lost your job because the republicans filibustered and obstructed more pieces of legislation in the past 2 years than any other congress or senate in history. Including the (in)famous do-nothing congress.
Posted by: H on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I have seen many of these stories on this website, yet I have yet to see a follow up story after a year or so. Maybe WNDU should look into doing follow up stories on these properties.
Posted by: Sick of it all on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I lost my job then I lost my house to foreclosure and have nothing. Did anyone bother to help me? No and do you know why? Because I am white.... Well known fact in this stupid town of South Bend. Well I finally found a job and I will get back on my feet because I am not lazy. Makes me sick just keep popping kids out so they can take care of you in 13 years. What is the matter with you people if you cant afford 2 kids and you are on welfare why do you keep having more? Stupid is what you are go back to school get an education and stop relying on everyone else to take care of you. Makes me sick to keep watching this.
Posted by: Angie C Location: SB on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Bob,Mary,Nicole you three need to go to Hahitat web site and see the critiria for these houses, they are not a free hand out you have to have a income, you have to pay a mortgage and sometimes that is 500.000 or more, and you have to literally build your home how many of you you can say that, you had to build yours probably none and that is why you are mad. Until you are in someone elses shoes you should not judgement that person until you know what they have gone through. If you really want to know what its all about go out and volunteer on one of these houses and see what is really going on. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Hey bleeding heart liberal Chaz, I lost my job because the democrats haven't done anything to help the working class for 2 years as they said they would do, so does that mean I would qualify for token mortgage house? No fair asking what race I am.
Posted by: FYI Location: South Bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:46 PM
What is Habitat for Humanity International? Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Collegiate Challenge volunteers trim vinyl siding. Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda. How does it work? Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor — sweat equity — into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. What does a Habitat house cost? Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as $800 in some developing countries to an average of nearly $60,000 in the United States. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price. Mortgage length varies from seven to 30 years.
Posted by: THERESA Location: ELKHART on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:30 PM
MARY ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS APPLY..IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE THIS HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT YOU DONT QUALIFY..MAYBE YOU SHOULD TAKE CLASSES ON MORALS,AND HOW TO NOT JUDGE PEOPLE

Please do not post in all caps. Thank you - wndu.com

Posted by: Theresa Location: elkhart on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:25 PM
BOB,for your info,the homes are not free,and they are not just for single mothers.As a matter of fact many single DADS,and married couples are involved in this program..and how exactly do you know that your WIFE is a goody tushoe,she could leave you tomorrow, and take everything you've got..then guess who would be applying for the program..These homes are not hand out,they have to be paid for.and if you look at the homes in elkhart,most of the home owners are WHITE..so your idea of otherwise is ridiculous..get a grip..And as a matter of fact you can't get a home if your NOT WORKING..read the facts...YOU ARE DEFINETLY JEALOUS..NOW THAT IS JUST A FACT..
Posted by: JOE Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Oh Boy this is JUST GREAT... Wish i could get a fee house with the tax money i pay. Give it a year and the house will look like alL the other homes on the LWW, west of SB. And as fare as giving the children a home... well in a few years we will have to buy all of her kids homes also. or at least 8 of them ... the other 8 will in jail. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!!! No more free things... work for it or go sleep under a bridge ,,, kids included. If its not about color... i would like to see a white family getting a free house... hard to find i bet..Hmmm Makes me wounder.
Posted by: chis Location: elkhart on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Yes it is a great program. No it isnt free. You have to work hard to get this home. complete requirements. But dont tell me that race or marital status dont having anything to do with being qualified. We applied several years ago for this program. We qualified. We were told that we would start working on our home in six months. When the time came to start we were contacted and told someone else was going to get our slot and we were pushed back. It has been 3 years now. We took our name off the list. I know for a fact that one of the people we were pushed back for.The one that was more needy than us.Was better off than we were. They made more money.They were friends of ours.They still are.They came to us with the good news that they were going to get the house before us.They did get it.They got it in six months. It is a race/marital thing.It isnt suppose to be.But in ST.Joe they run it that way.Great program ruined by bad management.
Posted by: Steve-O on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Come on guys, we are arguing over a free house on Walnut Street. Has anyone even been on that street? I rather take my chances of walking at night on Chapin or Western street. You can have your house, i'll pass.
Posted by: Bob Location: SB on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Very good post Mary and others, and Nichole, I take exception to your comments. I really do not care about the color of one's skin unless it makes it easier to get a hand out, which certainly seems to be the case with these free homes. Would you like to list the race of most of the receipients? Don't bother, we all know the answer, and your comments about a mortgage, don't insult us, it is a token mortgage at best. So we are rewarding single mothers who do not know how to keep their legs together. No, I am not jealous, I have a nice house and a loving home, which I and my wife worked for, get it WORKED for. You need to call this what it is, a free ride for someone with loose morals who is too lazy to work. I am not ashamed of my self, and Nichole, you are doing nothing more than perpetuating a welfare state for lazy people who think the taxpayers should pay their way.
Posted by: Nichole Location: Mishawaka on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Why are we so concerned with the parents and what they do when we should be happy that the children in these families are going to have a decent place to grow up. It is not the child's fault if the mother has several different baby daddies. Regardless of what any of us think this is reality and these children should not suffer because there parents made bad decisions. The people that go through this program do a lot of work to EARN these homes and they still have to pay for them when they move in. Not FREE at all.
Posted by: ANON Location: SB on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Are yo