Esther has lived in her home since 1966. When her husband passed away shortly after 9/11 in 2001, she began to struggle to keep up with home repairs. “I got to the place where I know the house needed work, [but] I didn’t know where to go,” said Esther.
One day she was driving home and decided to stop by the Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati office. She rang the doorbell and mentioned that she needed some help finding where to get home repairs. One of our Repair Coordinators, Jim, came to speak with Esther. She explained how she was treated with care and respect as Jim walked her through our Critical Repair Program application process and requirements. “He said ‘we’re going to help you,’” said Esther. “I was just so thankful.”
Esther had heard the name “Habitat for Humanity” before but she didn’t know about our Repair Program and all its services until she talked with Jim and experienced the repairs firsthand. Through our Repair Program, Esther was able to get all necessary roof repairs and brand new windows.
“Thank God they came out,” said Esther. “They put a roof on my house. I’m able to live here knowing that I’m okay, I’m safe, and the roof will not cave in.”
Esther has a goal of staying in her home until she’s ready to leave the earth. Her husband passed away in their home, and she plans on doing the same. Her home holds so many family memories that she isn’t ready to let of go just yet. She tells anyone she invites into her home to “come in and find peace.” She encourages them to “leave all the other stuff outside.”
“I hope that this will always be a house of peace. It’s a wonderful house.”
Esther’s husband served in the military, including overseas in Vietnam. As a way to give back to the veteran-connected families in our community, Habitat Greater Cincinnati hosted a 9/11 Day of Service event at Esther’s home. Volunteers assisted with small repairs and beautification projects, from gardening to painting.
Esther herself gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts with local organizations. She spends times volunteers in a Hospice Center and also works with incarcerated men.
“I’m just so grateful and thankful,” she said. “I thank God for y’all because we need more of this in the world.”
