Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio, Inc. celebrated the building of its 26th home at a dedication ceremony Sunday, Oct. 2 in Northwood.

The new homeowner, Sheila Oblinger, along with her two daughters, Sarah and Kim, served more than 200 “sweat equity” hours alongside volunteers from communities throughout Wood County to build their home.

“It is going to be great to go home and to go to a place you can actually call home is something special.” Sheila said.

During the dedication ceremony Ron Eckel, Construction Committee Co-Chairperson and Executive Board member of Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio, formally presented the Oblinger’s with the keys to their new home.

It was an emotional experience according to Sheila. “Once I got those keys, I knew that the home was mine,” she said. “She cried,” her daughter Sarah said.

The home was funded through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, supplemented by local and national companies donating construction materials and labor. While at the build site, the volunteer construction crew received meals donated by the community.

Each Habitat for Humanity home built is purchased through a no-interest mortgage. Oblinger’s monthly mortgage payments will go toward building more homes in Wood County for those in need of safe, decent and affordable shelter.

Currently, Habitat for Humanity of Wood County is seeking applications from those interested in being considered as partner families, as well as people interested in volunteering and donating funds to help build more homes in Wood County.

For more information, call 419-353-5430 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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