ANDERSON — Terri Smith got the key to her future Monday.
Smith, 39, is the latest Madison County resident to benefit from Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program. On Monday, during a dedication ceremony, she cried while receiving the key to her house along with a variety of housewarming gifts, including a candle, plant and Bible.
Her three-bedroom home at 518 W. Fifth St. is the 38th house built by Habitat’s local chapter since 1988.
While giving tours of the home to her family and friends, Smith said the finished product was better than she had imagined.
“On paper things look OK, but you don’t actually know until you see the completed project,” she said.
Smith and two of her three children plan to move into the house this month. Her daughter Tahler Smith, 17, said she was excited about moving from the family’s rental home in Middletown to a brand new house and a bedroom with a decor she chose on her own: blue, green and purple polka dots.
“Overall, I do like it a lot better,” Tahler said.
Terri Smith, who works as an assistant manager at Shouts bar in Anderson, applied for the Habitat program last June. The 1,000-square-foot house was built with volunteer labor, including Smith who had to put in at least 200 hours of what the organization calls “sweat equity.”
Habitat homeowners must meet certain income and credit requirements to qualify for the program’s interest-free mortgage.
“A lot of people are under the impression that we give the homes away,” said Paul Muething, who chairs Habitat’s selection committee. “We don’t. We sell the home.”
Muething said the program stresses the long-term commitment and responsibility that comes with being a homeowner and that it is sometimes difficult to find applicants who are ready.
Habitat for Humanity of Madison County builds two to three homes each year. Its next project, on Andover Road, is scheduled to be completed next summer.
Want to know more?
To learn about volunteer and home-ownership opportunities through Habitat for Humanity of Madison County, call (765) 649-4260.
Home News (ADS ONLY)
Related Photos
-
Richard Sitler
-
Richard Sitler
-
Richard Sitler
-
Richard Sitler
-
Richard Sitler
Discussion
October 6, 2008
10:14 p.m.: Habitat for Humanity dedicates 38th home
- Home News (ADS ONLY)
-
-
Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.
-
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount
LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
-
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO
ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
-
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners
ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.
-
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County
DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.
-
Weights, measures officials protect consumers
ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
-
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!'
ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
-
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour
ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
-
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove
Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.
Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award. -
At Home: Project a bonding experience
PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
- More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines
-
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
