Long time residents of Tamworth, Evan was ecstatic that they were chosen for one of the Habitat lots in the Sokokis Pines area of Tamworth. Evan is employed by NAPA in Ossipee and on the side does landscaping work in the summer months.

For John and Kelly Arruda, the pathway to a new house had been long and arduous The application process started two years ago when a friend of the Arrudas, who was quite familiar with Habitat, told them about the application opening announcement on the MWVHfH Facebook page. Both John and Kelly love Madison, and when Bob Magoun, Habitat Family Selection committee chairman, told them they had a choice of getting a unit on North Road in the near time frame, or could wait for a year for the house being build on Grison Rd. in Madison, the decision was easy. However, the wait was not. A series of unfortunate incidents combined to force the Arrudas to put the application on hold. But Kelly, who originally hailed from Kansas City, Missouri remembered instability in her life as her father’s job promotions caused quite a few moves around the country. That memory allowed her to keep her focus and with Bob Magoun’s assistance and mentoring, she knew it was just a matter of time before they were finally approved and would sign their acceptance letter.

Kelly allowed that the wait was actually beneficial as it allowed them to reassess their goals, put stability back into their lives and get their financial house back in order. It was interesting that as Bob was helping the Arrudas during this time, John was able to help Habitat in his capacity as a department manager at Lowes. He was there to answer logistical and supply problems as well as take care of some paint coloring glitches for the units on North Road. Bob remarked later that Lowes was fortunate to have him as an employee and manager. Both Kelly and John remarked several weeks ago that making the $250.00 deposit and signing the acceptance letter (see photo) was a special moment, but when they can provide a permanent home for their children, Andrew and Kassidy, it will be even more special.

Meet the third family to be selected for the four-unit condominium being constructed by the MWV Habitat for Humanity Affiliate on North Road. Melanie Gove and her three daughters, Brynne, Maya and Carys, were selected this spring, not only to her delight, but to that of her family, friends and others who encouraged her not to give up in the selection process. You see, Melanie had been turned down some time ago as she did not meet one of the qualifications. But “giving up” is not part of her vernacular and something she constantly instills in her children. She reminds them that by working hard and “keep doing what you are doing” will pay dividends in the long run.

She also teaches them the value of “giving back” and helping others. She has strongly embraced the mission of Kiwanis, “serving the children of the world.” She and her daughters volunteer at Angels and Elves during the Christmas season. Her older daughters are K-Kids at Conway Elementary, embracing the rewards of community service.

Melanie has lived in the Valley for 15 years, but stability in her life and that of her children has been lacking; a reason for applying to Habitat for a decent and affordable home that can provide that stability for her daughters. As part of the selection process an applicant must agree to contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” of which 100 hours can be donated by relatives, friends and/or an organization. She can be seen at the North Road construction site on Thursdays working on the very unit that will be her home; or recently having volunteered at the Habitat indoor yard sale, along with MWV Kiwanians who were volunteering “sweat equity” hours in her behalf.

Melanie is quick to recognize and thank her father, Dick Nellson, for all the support and encouragement he has given her – “whenever I was down, he was there, constantly reminding me, as I remind my children, what you put in is what you get out.” Pictured in the photo is Melanie with her three daughters and Melanie’s father at the Women’s Build Day this summer.

Damon and Deborah Reuning had rented in Conway for 11 years. While starting a business, raising a family of three children, and going back to school, the couple always dreamed of owning their own home. Then an associate at Deborah’s part time job referred her to Habitat. She had heard about the organization, she but thought it was a hand out.

After meeting with members of the Family Selection Committee, they realized they could improve their housing in a quality home in a great neighborhood at the same monthly cost! They applied and were selected to own a new home in the eleven home neighborhood that Habitat for Humanity was building on Robert Morrell Drive in Conway.

Both of them jumped enthusiastically into the program that requires 300 hundred hours of sweat equity and participation in financial planning classes. Being part of building their home meant more than the physical effort. It was a labor of love knowing they were building a future. Both of them are longtime residents of the Mt. Washington Valley, so keeping their roots in the community was important. In fact, Damon grew up near Robert Morrell Drive and played in woods that later would be his family’s home!

Four years later, the couple spoke about what owning a home has meant to them and their children. With the other residents who shared the same experience, they live in a great neighborhood. They have made good friends and built a community that supports each other. There have been neighborhood parties plus game and movie nights. They watch each other’s children and the houses on the street.

They also have learned about giving back. Whether helping at Habitat Yard Sales or Women’s Build, both Damon and Deborah understand and appreciate the value of volunteering. They know first-hand and appreciate what it takes to work for something and the satisfaction of securing their future.

We are pleased to announce Ken and Kate Fowler have been selected as the future homeowners of Unit 1 in the North Road Condominiums. The couple are “natives” as they were both born in Memorial Hospital. Kate attended Pine Tree Elementary School and Ken was raised in Madison. A graduate of the University of New England in Saco, ME, Kate is presently employed as the teacher in the Bartlett Pre-School. Ken works in retail in N. Conway. They are the proud parents of two sons, Matthew age 4 and Cullen five months old.

They are already working alongside the Habitat volunteers in the construction of their new home. When completed they will purchase the home, at cost, and be granted a “no interest” Habitat mortgage.

In March 2012, the Family Selection Committee consisting of community members Betsy Harding and Dave Hovey and Habitat board members Bob Magoun and Dan Osetek were tasked with finding the next Habitat for Humanity homeowner.

After the Family Selection Committee did its work, Christy Berry from Fryeburg was chosen as the next owner of a Habitat house. Christy is employed as a medical biller for Major Medical Billing in Conway and also works as a server at the 302 Smokehouse in Fryeburg. Christy has 2 daughters, Nora, 14 and Natalie, 5. Both daughters are enrolled in the Fryeburg school system.

Christy, along with her family and friends, will work to earn her “sweat equity” hours, which will ultimately help construct this new house. Please join us in congratulating Christy as she and MWV Habitat for Humanity build another place for a family to call home.