By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The crew at Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County recently rebuilt a set of outdoor stairs for women with visual impairment in Hays.
Habitat for Humanity works with qualified, low-income families to help them realize the dream of owning a home.
It also offers assistance with qualifying home repair projects and for residents.
Jessica Ostrom, 42, has lived in her home since 2012. Her wooden back stairs were badly deteriorated.
Habitat applied for and received a grant from the Home Depot Foundation for the project, and local Habitat volunteers completed the work.
“They just really weren’t safe, in my opinion” Ostrom said. “I have only used them a few times since I lived here. It’s hard for me to tell because I am visually impaired. … They definitely needed something done to them.”
Ostrom said she was appreciative of the assistance.
“It’s been amazing,” she said. “It definitely makes me feel safer and more comfortable in my home. … I personally didn’t have the money to do that.”
Leslie Wyatt, Habitat executive director, said the organization helps people with disabilities.
“With Jessica, if she would have had a fire and needed to get out the back, she would not have been safe exiting,” Wyatt said.
The local Habitat chapter tries to complete two to three home repair projects per year.
"It’s a valuable resource to have a Habitat for Humanity in our community," Wyatt said. "The repair programs helps fill a gap that a lot of low-income people fall into with having to choose between paying regular bills or repairs on a home that affects their safety.
"The homeownership program allows for the homeowners to have some stability and affordability, and they can learn new skills while helping others on their own or other Habitat homes."
Wyatt said people in need of assistance can find a link to the application on Habitat’s website. The nonprofit also works with other aid agencies in Ellis County for referrals.
You must be a homeowner and reside in Ellis County.
Habitat also rehabilitates homes, with the goal of placing qualified homebuyers in those homes.
The chapter’s last placements were in 2023, a family in Ellis and an individual in a small home in Hays.
The local chapter doesn’t have the volunteer base to build a new home and building has become cost-prohibitive, Wyatt said.
However, the chapter is currently looking to purchase a home for rehabilitation and will be placing a family before the end of the year, Wyatt said.
Habitat is accepting applications for homeownership now. That application can also be found on the chapter’s website.
You must meet the following guidelines:
Need
- Their current housing is substandard, does not meet their needs, or they would otherwise be unable to purchase a home.
- Must be citizens of the United States.
Willingness to Partner
- Must be willing to perform “sweat equity” volunteer hours on their new home, another home or at the ReStore
Ability to Pay
- Good credit rating
- Annual income needs to be between the two guidelines listed below:
Habitat accepts volunteers for rehabilitation projects, but the majority of its volunteers work is at Habitat’s resale store, the ReStore. In addition to direct donations, the ReStore is the most significant funding source for Habitat projects.
You can fill out a volunteer interest form online or visit the ReStore, 2707 Broadway Ave., Hays, during regular store hours, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Ask for Joyce Jilg.
See the Habitat website for a list of accepted items. The ReStore does not accept clothing, mattresses, bedding, computers, couches and box televisions or used toilets.
You can also make direct monetary donations to Habitat.
To donate to the local Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County chapter, you can donate online at www.hfhec.org/donate-to-hfhec.html or make checks payable to Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County and mail them to P.O. Box 444, Hays, KS 67601.
Editor note: Cristina Janney is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and is a Habitat for Humanity homeowner.