By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
More than 20 years ago, James Wenz and his family moved into their newly built Habitat for Humanity home on Walnut Street in Bloomdale. Their home was one of the first built by Habitat in Wood County.
On Thursday, Wenz crumbled up his mortgage and lit it on fire.
“That’s the sweetest fire I’ve ever seen,” said Wenz.
Wenz is the second of the 37 Habitat homeowners in Wood County to pay off his mortgage. So the event was celebrated outside Trinity United Methodist Church in Bowling Green.
“This is huge. This is what it’s all about, right here,” said Mark Ohashi, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Wood County. “Here we’re seeing the success of the program.”
Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay a no-interest or low-interest monthly mortgage payment for a safe and affordable home.
“We know that with just a little help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better life for themselves and their families,” Ohashi said. “James and his family just needed a boost, and they took that opportunity and ran with it. They’re the perfect example of what a home can do for a family.”
Wenz raised three children in the home on Walnut Street. “They’ve all left the nest,” he said. “It was a good place to raise a family.”
And now that the mortgage is paid off, Wenz has plans for those monthly payments that used to go toward his house. “I’d like to save for retirement,” he said. And remodel his home, he added.
Before burning his mortgage papers, Wenz offered his appreciation to Habitat volunteers.
“Thank you for everyone who helped build my home,” he said.
Jim Wenz greets Wib Miller, one of the Habitat volunteers who helped build his home 22 years ago.
One of those volunteers from 22 years ago was present. Wib Miller remembered working on the framing of Wenz’s home. Miller went on to help with many homes in Wood County, and vacationing to areas where blitz builds allowed him to volunteer.
“I guess it’s the satisfaction of helping people,” Miller said. He recalled the dedication of the very first Habitat home in Wood County, next to the Wenz home in Bloomdale.
“Their little girl came running through the yard and said, ‘That’s my house,’” Miller said. He was sold on the program. Though his age makes it difficult for him to take on the building duties, Miller still works with Habitat on its site selections.
Wil Roudebush was also present at the mortgage burning. He has coordinated Bowling Green State University construction students on projects.
Missing from the mortgage ceremony was Maxine Miller, who was paramount in the building of many Habitat homes in Wood County, including Wenz’s house. Miller, who was primary push behind Habitat locally, died last year.
“She’s here,” Roudebush said with a smile.
Kristen Jenkinson, community outreach director for Habitat in Wood County, talked about the “theology of the hammer.”
“What better way to celebrate faith than get out on a work site, swinging a hammer,” she said.
Last month, two new Habitat homes were dedicated in Weston, and Bowling Green officials are discussing donating lots for two Habitat homes in this community.
“We’re excited to do more and have an impact on more lives in Wood County,” Ohashi said.
