Rebecca stated, “working with Habitat would be the most amazing gift I could possibly imagine."
FREDERICK, Md. (PRWEB) April 05, 2018
Rebecca Lookingbill, a lifelong Frederick resident, has been sole provider for her two children, age 11 and 6, for six years. While pregnant with their second child, Rebecca discovered the father was in the throes of addiction and separated. She moved into her parents’ small house and has lived there, with her and her six-year-old son sharing a bedroom, ever since. However, later this month, Rebecca will join staff and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County at the lot at 733 Park Avenue in Brunswick, to build a new future - her new home.
Rebecca makes a good income, being an employee of UnitedHealthcare for over 12 years, but with two children and the high cost of housing in Frederick County, she has been unable to afford to move out of her parents’ home. Rebecca qualified for a home loan in 2017, but could not find a local home that she could afford, much less save for down payment and closing costs. A reality faced by many Frederick County residents. The United Way’s ALICE report shows 26% of the Frederick County population is employed, often making incomes too high to qualify for assistance, yet struggles to make ends meet due to the high cost of living. Many move over County lines, seeking affordable housing, but that would create additional difficulties for someone like Rebecca, whose support system and long-term career are here. Rebecca’s heart is to care for her children, recently stating “they deserve the best, and I am continually striving to give that to them, but being a single parent makes me feel like I fall short a lot of the time. It seems like I can’t catch a break.”
For Rebecca, that break has finally come. Approved in March for Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County’s Home Build program, Rebecca will be the future homeowner of the organization’s next home build. In her application, Rebecca stated, “working with Habitat would be the most amazing gift I could possibly imagine. I would love nothing more than to own a home and be able to show my children that all of our struggles and all of the sacrifices I have made for them have been worth it.” Construction will begin on her home this month and as part of the program, Rebecca will contribute ‘sweat equity,’ helping to construct the 3-bedroom ranch style home. At the completion of the build, expected in November, Rebecca will purchase the home from Habitat for Humanity through a low-down payment loan at a price deeply subsidized by the organization to ensure an affordable mortgage payment for her. Now celebrating its 25th year, Habitat for Humanity has provided this type of homeownership opportunity to Frederick County residents since the affiliate’s founding in 1993. Rebecca will be the organization’s 37th homeowner.
About Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County:
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have power to take care of ourselves and build our own futures. At Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, this is what unites us. Through shelter, we empower. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. For 25 years, Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County has worked toward that by providing affordable home ownership solutions to hardworking people in Frederick County. Because every one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future. Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
