Habitat Houses in Stow Almost Ready for Families

Rochelle Fisher stands in a living room devoid of furnishings, carpet and even a final coat of paint.

Yet in just months this room and one just like it next door will welcome two Stow families into their new home.

Fisher, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, is overseeing some of the final touches on two houses under construction by the non-profit at the corner of Fishcreek Road and Paulann Drive.

The construction started when Habitat for Humanity was able to get what were two vacant lots that went to foreclosure sale.

"We were able to get them for a good price," Fisher said.

Both houses, which are identical in design, are 1,500 square feet and include a full basement and one-car garage. Typically, Habitat builds houses about 1,200 square feet in size.

"These are very large houses comparitavely for us," Fisher said. "But these are large lots. We wouldn't have fit well in the neighborhood if we put a smaller structure up." 

Each house represents a $120,000 project for Habitat for Humanity made possible through donations from local corporations, churches and more then 300 volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours.

Thanks to the support, each family will have a zero-interest, 30-year mortgage of about $85,000 and a monthly payment of between $400 and $600.

The houses will be done by the end of this month with the families that have already been chosen through application moving in by May or June.

Each family supports the project by attending classes on home ownership and using some elbow grease during construction.

"The families partake in this through sweat equity," Fisher said. "They're very involved."