A Dream Come True

By New Homeowners: Crystal Hamacher and Felix Vasconez

It all began with an application and a dream. An unexpected dream that was about to come true. We didn't wish upon a star or even throw a coin into a fountain, we just waited and prayed for the most precious thing that anyone could ever have or ever want… our own home.

In the year 2005,after mailing the application and going through an interview with about 7 other families, we received that phone call saying "Crystal and Felix, your family has been chosen to receive the new Habitat home on West Avenue in Geneva." Richard Rosenfield, our now habitat partner, was the one to give us the wonderful news. We were so excited but also very nervous and a little scared. Owning your own home is a huge thing and a big step toward a better and healthier future. We couldn't wait to get things started. We were extremely tired of living at our 3 bedroom, 1/2 house.  Our apartment was old and starting to become unsafe. We lived on a busy high traffic street without a closed-in yard for the kids. We were very cautious in letting the kids play outside unless we were watching them. It was time to do something about that, and we also wanted a place we would all call home.

In April 2006, building began on our new house. Volunteers from all over shared their time and their skills with us in helping to get the frame of the house up. Of course, we had to put our time into the house as well. We needed to complete 400 sweat equity hours in order to move into the house, which wasn't very easy for us to do. Throughout the months, we had run into some ruts which got a little frustrating, but with Richard's help and the help of Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County, we were able to get through those rough times. There were also some very good times during the construction of the house. I learned to face my fear with the ladders even though I am still a little shaky about them. My oldest son, Felix, would come up with us and help out as well. There was one day during the blitz week that he had come up with me and was given a job to do. His job was to go around the yard with a magnet and find all the nails he could. He had a great time doing that because he had a lot of help from Mr. Hall and the BOCES students. There was also the dedication, where tears of joy had been shed especially when we were handed the keys. It was great to see a community come together for something as wonderful as this. We are grateful to the 3 men who were able to get the house together and worked their hardest on doing that, Bob Virkler, Bill Van Dusen, and Hugh Price. We couldn't have done it without them. Our house will last 100 years if not more.

Now comes the hardest and most stressful part, moving in and being on our own. We are so used to having a landlord and giving them a call whenever something goes wrong. We can't do that now. If something breaks and needs to be fixed, it’s up to us now to get it done. We depend on ourselves now. It’s going to be hard but I think we will be okay. We are still so very happy to have a home to call our own.

Geneva House Dedication!

After nearly a year of hard work, the latest Habitat project in Geneva is complete! On Monday January 8th, 2007 the dedication ceremony was held, and friends and family from all over the county attended.

The ceremony was a great celebration that started with the lighting of the Dedication Candle by Gail Burr and it was followed by an invocation by Rev. Wade Jarrett, and a scripture reading by Rev. Janice Robinson. Bill VanDusen gave some remarks followed by the Litany of Dedication. The ceremony also had some beautiful singing by the Men's Gospel Quartet from the Presbyterian Church of Geneva.

The home was lovingly blessed by Cantor Richard Rosenfield, and Ellen Johnson gave the Benediction. There were many people in attendance, and the ceremony was followed up by cake and punch for everyone.

"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." - Isaiah 32:17

Geneva Home Nearing Completion!

The Geneva house is looking more like a home every week thanks to the efforts of Hugh Price and Bob Virkler who are shepherding this project.

Wallboard is complete and the seaming is nearing completion.  The next big activity is painting.  It is hard to adequately express our appreciation for all the help that the City of Geneva has given Habitat for this build.  We are looking forward to working with the city for several builds in the near future.

Before a new project is considered two things must happen.  First, a larger pool of volunteers is needed to augment the dedicated few.  Second, a county wide funding stream must be established.  To this end, several of us had a meeting with the Editor and staff of the Finger Lakes Times to explore how the paper could help deliver our message to their readership. As this partnership moves forward you will be kept informed.

On a more urgent note, the West Avenue build is still in need of $25,000 to complete the build and allow the family to take possession.

The Build Continues!

Construction on the house at 53 West Avenue in Geneva is still underway. With the recent completion of the siding, the outside of the house is nearly complete! Aside from some finishing touches, work will begin to increase on the inside of the property. If you wish to volunteer, please see the contact page for phone numbers and email addresses of people to contact to see about volunteer opportunities. Also feel free to click on the picture below to see the gallery of pictures from the Geneva build.

Meet The Geneva Family!

In the early Spring, Habitat for Humanity held a meeting in Geneva. Church, civic leaders, and the general public where invited to inform them of Habitat's plans to build a home in Geneva. We encouraged them to get involved in this project.

Three members of the Geneva community indicated their desire to assist in the selection of a family to become the new Habitat homeowners. These three people were Nancy Clark, Richard Rosenfield, and Virginia Torruella, none of which had never been involved with Habitat for Humanity before, but they certainly did a great job!

In addition to these three people, the family selection committee consisted of Kate Burley, Gail Burr, Mary Lou Havens, Pete Mount and Bill Sherry.

We received numerous applications for the home from Geneva residents as well as other towns in Ontario County. The family selection committee interviewed four of these families that were finalists in the family selection process.

The family of Crystal Hamacher and Felix Vasconez was selected to be the owners of the Geneva home. They have three young children. We wish we had three or four homes available because all of the families that applied certainly deserve a decent and affordable home. The need is there.

Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County
P.O. Box 778 Victor, NY 14564
Tel: 585-425-8960
Email: info@hfhoc.org