Habitat for Humanity

Building homes, community and hope

BY:Chelsey Kraft

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build homes, community and hope – and the local affiliate works to do just that in Cleveland County.

In addition to building an average of one home a year, with plans to increase that number, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity also completes various home repairs and projects, including building wheelchair ramps.

In partnership with the City of Norman, which helps pay for materials through a grant, Habitat constructs an average of one wheelchair ramp a month. These are primarily for low-income families who find themselves in critical need, said Randy Gardner, president and CEO of Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity. Habitat then provides the labor to complete the project.

For ramp projects located outside of Norman, Gardner said that Habitat works with a variety of local organizations and people to raise funds for materials. Recently, the nonprofit received a call from a woman whose husband had an amputation and had to crawl up the steps into their home. Through support from Teddy Lehman, co-host of “The Rush” on SportsTalk 1400 and Cavins Construction Group, and “all because of the power of people out there caring,” a ramp was built to make the home accessible, Gardner shared.

“Building a house is what we’re known for,” Gardner said. “That’s the big project, and everybody wants to get out there and swing a hammer. But these ramps, depending on the complexity, they can be done in a day or two. In that short amount of time, we change someone’s life.”

Another memorable ramp project was completed in partnership with Ohio State University’s Buck-I-SERV program. During breaks from classes, students in this program complete community service projects around the United States.

For the past several years, a group has come to Norman over winter break to volunteer through Habitat for Humanity. The 2019 trip was extra memorable when the students had the opportunity to make a ramp for a boy who happens to be a big Buckeye fan.

The boy was born at the hospital near Ohio State’s football stadium and feels a connection to the university for that reason. The students brought the boy signed items from Ohio State’s football team and coaches, and everyone donned their Buckeye T-shirts for the day. The boy’s bus driver also noticed the ramp and asked the boy’s mom about it, leading to him connecting with Habitat to build one for his wife, who has a terminal degenerative illness.

“There was this beautiful community connection between Ohio State and Oklahoma and bus drivers and schools,” shared Michaelle Statham, vice president of program for Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity. “That’s what we’re here for, and the fact we can have the community know who we are and what we can do, it’s great to get those kinds of referrals so we can move that forward.”

People who wish to connect with Habitat for Humanity can do so in a variety of ways. Gardner said that like for any other nonprofit, the biggest need is for resources, both materials and money. The organization also welcomes volunteers and is especially in need of those who are skilled, including plumbers, electricians, roofers and other similar areas.

Habitat sells the homes it builds with interest-free mortgages to qualified low-income families who go through a rigorous selection process. The goal is to eliminate generational poverty and provide a long-term sustainable future. Statham emphasized the need for seed funding, especially during the current pandemic due to the impact it has had on housing.

People can also donate to or shop at the ReStore, which sells items like furniture, appliances, building materials and tools. Revenue generated at the ReStore, located at 1100 W. Main St., then goes back into the non-profit’s programs. You can also follow “Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity” and “The ReStore in Norman” on Facebook to connect with the organization.

“We’ve got businesses. We’ve got faithbased groups. We’ve got universities. We’ve got so many people kicking in to help these different projects,” Gardner stated. “And there’s just so much more opportunity for so many more people in the community to be a part of this. – BSM