(Submitted by Habitat for Humanity of Wood County)
Habitat Homeowners, volunteers, community supporters and sponsors join together to celebrate a Mortgage Burning Ceremony for Susan Schooner and her family. The Schooner Family has made their final mortgage payment on their Habitat for Humanity home and will celebrate by burning the mortgage papers in the parking lot of Trinity United Methodist Church (200 N. Summit, Bowling Green), on July 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay a no-interest monthly mortgage payment for a safe, decent, and affordable home.
“This is such a huge accomplishment for the Schooner Family,” said Mark Ohashi, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Wood County. “They have been diligently paying their mortgage for 19 years now. For any family, paying off a mortgage is a big deal. The Schooner Family took it a step further, and they even paid off their mortgage early. We couldn’t be happier for them.”
The Schooner’s home, located in Grand Rapids, was constructed in 2001. Susan Schooner noted that having a HFHWC home “has made a significant impact on my life…it brought me pride, dignity, and peace. I think people underestimate the feeling secure housing can offer. With this ceremony, Susan states “It feels great every morning to look around and say “I own this…It never ceases to amaze me as that sinks in. I doubt that anyone who hasn’t gone down that path can fully understand the impact of that feeling.”
“At Habitat for Humanity, 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. Susan and her 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,” said Ohashi.
Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are appreciated by July 15.
