By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Outside, a welcome mat sat by the front door. Inside, the house was full of new neighbors welcoming a family to the latest Habitat for Humanity home in Bowling Green.
“Here we are – your day has come,” Habitat director Mark Ohashi said to the first-time homeowner – Amy Olea with her two children, Kerrie, 19, and Ryan, 13.
Her voice filled with emotion, Olea thanked her new friends and neighbors.
“Habitat has changed my life,” she said. “A piece of land that was nothing but a water tower is now a place I will call home, thanks to all the volunteers.”
Ryan joined in.
“Thank you for making this happen for us,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot, and now that it’s finally the day, it doesn’t seem real at all. We’ve been waiting for so long, and now it’s here.”
The family showed visitors their new three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home.
“I’m beyond excited to have this done,” Olea said. “I was here from start to finish. I actually got to dig the hole with the excavator.”
Kerrie also put in hours of “sweat equity” constructing the walls.
And Ryan did his share building the shed and painting walls.
On Thursday, they were surrounded by people who worked side-by-side with them to build their home – some professionals and some novices.
“We have this crazy idea of bringing people together who may have never built a home,” Ohashi said.
And there were city officials who came up with the idea to donate the former water tower lot to Habitat for Humanity.
“This is awesome,” said Bowling Green Public Utilities Director Brian O’Connell, who believed the best use for the land was to provide affordable housing for local families.
Ohashi praised the city for showing goodwill for a good cause, rather than making money by selling the lots to a commercial developer.
“I want to thank them for their resolve to preserve this land for affordable housing,” he said. “Because of you, Amy and her family have obtained affordable housing in the amazing city of Bowling Green.”
Mayor Dick Edwards echoed that sentiment.
“That goodness goodwill prevailed,” he said. “This makes me feel super good. We’re happy for you all, Amy.”
Also helping with the home were BGSU students and faculty.
“It’s a tremendous experience for all of them, and all of us,” said Michael Ogawa, vice president for research and economic engagement at BGSU. “We look forward to the next build.”
Elected officials welcomed the family home.
“I’m glad to be neighbors,” Bowling Green City Council member Bruce Jeffers said. “You make it a stronger and better neighborhood.”
The house, at the corner of Manville and Clough streets was very visible to motorists in the city.
“It was a lot of fun going by and watching it go up,” Wood County Commissioner Craig LaHote said.
And the Habitat Homeowner Support Committee made it clear that their connection to the family didn’t end when the construction concluded.
Barbara Brunner gave the family the traditional gift of a Bible, and wished the home will be a safe haven.
“We pray that this will be a household of fun and love and laughter,” Brunner said.
Larry Swaisgood presented the family with a basket of items that will help turn the house into a home – like potholders, towels and a laundry basket.
Bowling Green Fire Chief Bill Moorman presented the family with a fire extinguisher donated by Home Depot.
Olea’s home is the second of three to be built on the former city land. Construction of the third will begin in September of 2020. A family has been selected for that home – a mother with four children, Ohashi said.
Other businesses and organizations stepped up to help with Olea’s home, including Wells Fargo, Wood County Hospital, NSG, Cooper Standard, BG Kiwanis Aktion Club, and Rotary Club.
