Fri Feb 03 2012
by Alison Lucci
Reporter
Stow -- The next six months will be a whirlwind of change for a Stow family, as they anticipate moving into a new home provided through Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.
Local officials and new homeowners Charles and Justine Oddo and their family members gathered April 12 at the foundation of the home to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Moreland Avenue project.
"I think it's just a wonderful endeavor, and it's wonderful for the city of Stow," Mayor Karen Fritschel said, after welcoming the couple to Stow as homeowners.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Rochelle Fisher said she expects the 1,200-square-foot handicap accessible ranch home to be complete by October.
The Oddo family members originally moved to Stow in 2004. They are excited to own a home in the city so daughters Emma, 3, and Gracie, 1, will have access to the school district, Charles said.
They hope moving from their second-story apartment to the ranch-style home will provide a better environment for Gracie, who was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome.
According to the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, the rare genetic disorder causes seizures and can result in developmental delays.
"Having a Habitat house is a blessing for us, especially with it being handicap accessible," Justine said at the groundbreaking. "To have a stable living area for our family is very important to us. I'm very excited for this, and I know my husband is, too."
The Summit County Community and Economic Development Department, the Hudson Coalition for Habitat for Humanity and fundraising efforts at various Stow churches are funding the $110,000 project, Fisher said.
"That's one of the things I'm really happy about," Fisher said. "Not only that this family can stay in their community, but also that we can provide the handicap accessible home they need."
The home will not be given to the family, though.
Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay an interest-free mortgage for 20 or 30 years. The Oddo family will pay tax and insurance costs and attend homeowner education classes.
Charles and Justine are each required to contribute at least 250 hours of work during the construction of the home.
In addition to the required classes and work, Charles works full time as a machinist and part-time at UPS. Justine stays home to care for the girls and take Gracie to therapy appointments.
"It's going to be a blessing to have all the help," Charles said.
The Hudson Coalition, a partnership of organizations, churches and individuals in Hudson, will coordinate volunteer crews every Saturday to work on the house.
The home is the 20th house the group has built with Habitat for Humanity.
On April 16, the coalition was scheduled to begin a weeklong blitz that will take the house from a foundation to an enclosed structure, said spokesperson Belinda Wing.
"Because of the impact weather has on building, the best thing you can do is get it done as quick as possible," Wing said. "The blitz is just a very intense push."
Habitat for Humanity has sponsored five homes in Stow, three on Graham Road last year and two on Moreland Avenue this year. Charles and Justine learned about Habitat through a friend who was approved for a home in Portage County.
"We're glad you found us and filled out an application, and we're glad we found you," Fisher told the Oddo family during the groundbreaking.
E-mail: alucci@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3916
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