It was a day of firsts. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton recently completed and dedicated its first new home in New Carlisle. This groundbreaking build was also the first Carter Honor Build for Dayton Habitat. Like many Habitat Homebuyers, Dionka, a single mother of four, stepped into the first home she ever purchased that day. Surrounded by family and friends, the faith connection between all three was very evident on this day full of gratitude.
“I just want to give all glory to God because without Him I wouldn’t have made it to this day,” Dionka said, her voice cracking with emotion. “And to all of you who made it possible for my children to have this gift, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“This house right here is going to be a place where the Lord is going to be served,” added Restoration Park Church Missions Pastor Randy Warner during his dedication prayer.
The legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife, First Lady Rosalynn, was honored during the ceremony. The Carters were never shy about their love for the Habitat ministry and how their faith fueled that love into action. Starting in 1984, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project has built, repaired, and renovated 4,417 homes in 14 countries, drawing over 106,000 volunteers. Although the Carters did not start Habitat, their support has contributed greatly to Habitat’s success.
Over 60 friends, family, and supporters attended this Honor Build dedication. Among them were representatives from main sponsors: the City of New, Clark County Land Bank, Synergy Building Systems, Reynolds & Reynolds Associate Foundation, Assurant, and Restoration Park Church. The family was also presented housewarming gifts by Sugarcreek Presbyterian Church, Secret Smiles, AKA Sorority BHQ, Holiday Inn in Fairborn, and Knob Prairie United Church of Christ.
“The only reason we exist is through partnership and collaboration,” said Development Director Dave Mauch about Dayton Habitat’s ministry. “You come to something like this and see something like this (referring to the new five-bedroom home) and it shows the power that exists when the community and partners come together. It takes everybody working together. When that happens, so do good things.”
Dionka was asked if this all felt real to her.
“It’s real to me; I knew it was coming,” Crafter said. “But I woke up smiling and then crying and did that all morning. I just kept saying, ‘It’s today!’ It’s been a dream forever, it seems. And now it’s here. I’m just so grateful and so thankful.”
If you want to volunteer for or donate to Habitat’s mission, or if you know someone who needs help through one of our programs, go to DaytonHabitat.Org or call 937-586-0860.
