A new home at 11 Genet St. is pictured in Dunkirk.

After 12 months of waiting for their house to be completed, a family of three was finally able to move into their brand-new home at 11 Genet St., Dunkirk. This marks the eighth time in recent years in the northern part of the county that the organization has worked to assist a family build its own house, thus bringing additional tax revenues to the locality (Dunkirk), the town of Hanover, and to Chautauqua County.

According to volunteer executive director Dave Kurzawa, “Habitat houses truly benefit the communities, the neighborhoods, and most of all the families that inhabit them. The stability that owning a house brings families great comfort after having to rent and oftentimes lose their home. The children living in Habitat houses have better educational outcomes, and they appear happier. Families tell us that they love living in their own home, for which they pay the mortgage.”

The dedication ceremony marking the new beginning for the family was held on July 26. It was filled with both joy and happy tears as the new family welcomed friends, neighbors, and the volunteers who worked so hard to make a dream into a reality. How happy they all were to watch family members cut the ribbon at the end of the ceremony.

According to Gina Paradis, Chautauqua County Land Bank Executive Director, “The Chautauqua Land Bank could not be more pleased with the outcome for this neighborhood and this family.

We love partnering with the dedicated volunteers of Habitat to help create affordable housing opportunities for deserving families!” It was through the CCLB that Habitat obtained the lot on which the house was constructed.

Each family member received quilts custom created by members of the Chautauqua Region Quilt Guild. They also received a family Bible and a toolbox to help maintain the property, both donated by Habitat, and also a framed prayer given by volunteer Donna Roof. Blessings and prayers were offered by Pastor Nettie Puleff.

The home will be named in memory, in honor, and with great respect for Tom Caruso, a remarkable volunteer who passed away last fall. Caruso was a construction manager for a recently built Jamestown Habitat house and worked in all of the houses that Habitat built in Chautauqua County following his retirement. As many people described, “Tom was the nicest, gentlest, kindest person I have ever met.” He was also a master craftsman who could make anything from wood.

Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity expects to continue its construction activities in late summer or early fall. New volunteers are needed so that more families can enjoy safe, simple, affordable housing for which they pay the mortgage and taxes, and also work on the house being built.

If you have questions or wish to volunteer, please call Dave Kurzawa at 716-863-4475, or visit the webpage at www.chqhabitat.org.