Our Fairplay Homeowners
Kirsten Kraus
When asked what homeownership will mean to her and her family, Kirsten says:
“I’m an elementary school teacher at South Park and have lived in the area for over 20 years. My rent has gone up about 35% in the last few years. Local salaries have always been low, but with this cost of living, it’s unmanageable. For me, a Habitat home means stability in the community my family and I love.”
Kirsten’s family is the first of two families selected to purchase one of the two Fairplay units to be completed in 2023.
The Nafus Family
The impact of Habitat for Humanity homeownership on the Nafus family has been truly transformative. As a family of five, with mom working at the local school and dad as a truck driver, they were struggling to make ends meet, paying over 60% of their income each month for housing. When they received the news that they would become Habitat homeowners, they overwhelming excitement brought tears to their eyes.
What excites them the most is the opportunity to actively participate in every step of building their new home, giving them a sense of ownership and pride. This new home not only provides shelter but also brings a peace of mind and stability that was previously lacking. No longer will they have to worry about abrupt rent increases or property sales forcing them to move. Habitat for Humanity has not only provided them with a house but has also opened the door to a brighter, more secure future for the Nafus family.
Our Dillon Valley Homeowners - 2021
Anna and Andrei Lubneuski
The Kraus Family
The Nafus Family
Anna and Andrei have lived in Summit County for over a decade, working in various hospitality and retail jobs throughout the county. They have two children who now attend Dillon Valley Elementary School and love their new home on Deer Path Road.
They were selected as the homeowners of the new Habitat home in Dillon Valley which was completed in Oct. 2021. It is here that they will find stability, establish roots, and never have to worry about finding another place they can afford.
“It means, for us that we no longer should worry about finding another place or being able to afford it” says Anna. “We feel safe to be able to put down our roots in the community.”
The Lubneuskis have lived in various locations in the county and have sometimes rented parts of homes, but have always dealt with steadily rising rent and the challenges of finding anything affordable. They have dreamed of homeownership ever since Andrei moved from his native Belarus to Summit County in 2005. Now through their partnership with Habitat, their dream has come true!
The Lubneuski Family Move
Into their New Home in Dillon Valley
– October, 2021 –
Make homeownership a reality!
For more information about how to apply for homeownership, please email us at executivedirector@summithabitat.org.