NORWICH – Chenango County Habitat for Humanity officers and representatives, volunteers, friends and special guests gathered on Saturday for a dedication ceremony hosted by CCHH President Kathleen Benedict.

This house, at 7 Adams St., Norwich, is the third Habitat-completed house. It was constructed for and with James and Ainekisha Mutabiilwa, the partnering family, and is the result of over 5,000 volunteer hours from more than 186 people. James is known around Norwich for his work with the Chenango Tobacco-Free Coalition’s Youth Action project, and Kisha is employed by the NYS Veterans’ Home.

Mayor Joseph Maiurano spoke of the goals of Habitat which are in line with the goals Norwich City wants – better housing, safe neighborhoods, and people that are proud to live in this community. Before rewarding Habitat with a certificate, the mayor said that he changed the word “houses” to “homes” because of the big difference in meaning between the two. It was clear that the Mutabiilwas will be making this house their home, he said.