NEWS

Mom of two receives new Habitat house

Sydney Murray
Reporter
Brooke Filkins and her family take a photo with Park National Bank employees in front of her new home.

NEWARK - After giving birth to a daughter just one week ago, Brooke Filkins can welcome her little girl to a brand new home.

On Thursday, Filkins received the keys to her new house, which was built through Habitat for Humanity.

Filkins has been on this journey for about two years, along with her 9-year-old son Jorden.

"I'm very excited for me and my family," Filkins said.

She said her son has never had a yard before, and each of her children will have their own bedroom.

Although Habitat President and CEO E.J. Thomas has been to many home dedications, he said it never gets old handing over the keys to a family.

"I never have one of these events go off without chills going down my spine," Thomas said. "For that family, it's the first time."

Each new homeowner has to perform sweat-equity hours while the home is being constructed. They also take classes and learn how to do maintenance on their homes.

"We're always pleased to help someone get out of a situation," Thomas said. "Whether it's overcrowding or whether they're living in an apartment where mechanicals don't work, they're in a high crime area."

Thomas said this is a mission of empowerment and they don't just give the house away.

"This is a hand up, not a hand out," Thomas said. "They feel as though they've accomplished something."

Filkins said she enjoyed working with the hundreds of volunteers who helped build her house. Her son also had the chance to see some of the process take place.

​"I was in shock..how much love and appreciation, other people care about me and my family," Filkins said.

Thomas said those sweat equity hours are not always easy to get because of children and jobs.

"They've earned the advantage that we're able to provide for them," Thomas said.

Licking Memorial Health Systems President and CEO Rob Montagnese hands Brooke Filkins the keys to her new home.

Filkins will repay a zero-percent loan, which will help her afford the house.

"It means a lot...desperately a lot," Fiklins said. "Something that I can afford. I will be here to raise my kids."

Many community members, sponsors and volunteers were in attendance at the dedication.

Filkins received a few gifts, such as a quilt for her daughter and a doormat that every habitat home owner receives.

Sponsors of this home included Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Licking Memorial Hospital, Energy Cooperative and the City of Newark.

"I think what I love about this the most is that you get to see people go from where they were when they started into the program to standing straighter and feeling more confident," Thomas said.

slmurray@gannett.com

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