Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is inviting the community to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first four homes in its new Oakland Acres subdivision on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will take place at 57, 75, 93 and 111 S. Faythe Drive in Port Clinton.
This milestone marks the beginning of Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County's largest new home development to date. The four homes breaking ground this August are the first phase of the 16-home Oakland Acres subdivision, an investment that will expand workforce homeownership opportunities for local families and strengthen the community for years to come.
The vision for Oakland Acres became possible thanks to an incredible act of generosity inspired by Pastor Becky Bolander's "Biking for Builds" ride across America. After cycling coast-to-coast to raise awareness and support for Habitat for Humanity, her efforts helped inspire the donation of the land that will become the Oakland Acres subdivision. That gift, combined with support from the Ohio Department of Development and countless community partners, is turning an empty field into a neighborhood where 16 families will have the opportunity to achieve affordable homeownership.
The Ohio Department of Development’s investment is helping Habitat transform the donated property into a fully developed neighborhood with roads, infrastructure and new homes for local working families.
"We're incredibly grateful to the Ohio Department of Development for believing in this project and investing in our community," Valerie Winterfield, Community Engagement Director for Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County, said. "Their support is helping us create homeownership opportunities for hardworking local families while laying the foundation for a neighborhood that will serve Ottawa County for generations."
Once completed, the 16-home neighborhood will provide safe, quality housing for hardworking families who partner with Habitat through volunteer service, financial education and the purchase of an affordable mortgage. The homes are designed to provide long-term stability while helping address the growing need for workforce housing in Ottawa County.
"This groundbreaking represents the culmination of months of planning, engineering, permitting and collaboration with so many partners," Debi Heiks, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County, said. "Seeing construction begin on these first four homes is exciting because it's the first step toward building an entire neighborhood where local families can put down roots and achieve the dream of homeownership."
Community members, elected officials, project partners, donors, volunteers and supporters are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter for Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County.
For more information about the groundbreaking or Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County's homeownership program, visit HabitatOttawaCounty.org or call 419-734-7074.
