Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Wood County officials were back in Walbridge on Dec. 16, presenting the Harder family with a ceremonial key as part of a home dedication ceremony for their new home on W. Perry Street.
It follows up a ground blessing ceremony that took place on Aug. 21, as volunteers and officials constructed the house between now and then. It is the third house that the organization’s executive director, Mark Ohashi, has built in Walbridge. The previous ones were on Guy Street and Clinton Street.
“Habitat's mission is to help families secure decent and affordable housing,” Ohashi said. “This year we completed a blitz build in Bradner and then we're finishing off the year with this Walbridge build. I want to thank mayor Ed Kolanko and the village of Walbridge because without them, we wouldn't have this land to build on. So thank you, mayor for your support for our mission. You can have all the volunteers and all the families in the world, but if you don't have land, then you're not going very far. So, just a land donation is very important for us.”
Ohashi said the Harder family, which includes Josh and Ashly, along with their daughter Paisley, was slated to close on Dec. 19. He was thrilled to get the home ready by Christmas.
“I always tell our families that it's never a guarantee that we get our families in before Christmas because it is construction and anything can happen,” he said.
Ohashi said that the Harder family has been tremendous, and they even put in over 600 hours of “sweat equity.”
“Your attendance to our workshops, you did that,” he said. “Volunteering in the restore, (you did that). You did sweat equity. Volunteering on the build sites and helping to build your own home — you really did put in the sweat equity.
“We know that your current housing situation is inadequate, and it is what prompted you to apply to the Habitat’s home ownership program. I applaud you for doing what you needed to do to secure decent and affordable housing for yourselves, your family, for Paisley. For sticking with it through the crazy schedule that it is. Going to the monthly homeowner education classes and putting in the required sweat equity hours throughout the month. But it has brought you here on the doorstep of home ownership. Congratulations and I will say welcome home.”
Walbridge mayor Ed Kolanko was on hand for both ceremonies. His family was also on hand Dec. 16, and his children presented new Christmas ornaments to Paisley.
“It really has been a great, great team effort,” Kolanko said. “We enjoyed being part of your build, and thanks for allowing my team to be part of your history.”
The Harder family has called Wood County home for the past five years. Originally from Toledo, they left behind a neighborhood filled with constant gunfire and a landlord who refused to address critical repairs in their apartment. Seeking safety and stability for their daughter, the family moved four times in five years due to rising rent prices. The parents both work, but finding decent, affordable housing felt like a dream — until now.
Ashly’s parents, who volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Syracuse, N.Y., encouraged them to explore what Habitat offers locally. At the same time, the Harders were working with the Great Lakes Community Action Plan to improve their credit, and they spotted a Habitat flyer on the agency’s website. After going through the application process, including a home visit from the Habitat Selection Committee, the family was overjoyed to learn they had been approved.
“Standing here today means more to us than I can put into words,” Josh Harder said. “After almost two years of waiting and putting in over 600 hours of sweat equity, it’s hard to believe this moment has finally arrived. For us, this isn't just a house. It's a fresh start. It's stability, safety, and peace — something every family deserves, but not every family gets.
“There were moments when the waiting was tough, but this journey has taught us patience, teamwork, and what true community looks like. Habitat for Humanity has shown us that when people come together — volunteers, staff, and families alike — amazing things happen. Every nail, every coat of paint, and every word of encouragement built more than a home. It built hope.
“To everyone who had a hand in making this dream a reality, thank you. Your kindness and effort has given our daughter a safe place to grow up and our family a foundation to build our future on. We promise to take care of this home, to fill it with love, and to carry forward the spirit of giving that made it possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and for reminding us that faith, perseverance, and community can truly change lives.”
Next year, the organization is building two houses in Bradner, one in the spring and one in the fall. They’re also working on a home in North Baltimore, and they have a growing home repair program where they are helping families in Wood County who need roof replacements.
If anyone would like to follow updates as to what’s going on with the project, you can sign up for the Habitat’s newsletter at WChabitat.org.
