By Sophia Root

Commerce Chenango

CHENANGO COUNTY - Commerce Chenango would like to highlight Chenango County Habitat for Humanity (CCHH), a Christian 501(c)(3) charity, CCHH operates on a model that generates no profit.

Habitat for Humanity began in 1976, founded by Millard and Linda Fuller on the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live. The organization gained early momentum when President Jimmy Carter lent his support to the cause of affordable housing, and it has since grown to serve all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide.

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity homebuyers make interest-free monthly mortgage payments that flow directly into a revolving fund, which in turn helps other families and supports ongoing activities. As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity does not proselytize, and assistance is never offered on the condition that recipients adhere to or convert to any particular faith.

Their mission is straightforward: Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope, with a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

The Chenango County chapter was established after a group of community members, led by Ron Wenzel, identified a local need and began the process of forming an affiliate in 1992. After two years, they achieved official affiliation and opened in 1994. Its office is in Guilford, NY, and the organization has partnered with numerous local groups across the county and beyond to help local families.

The Chapter has renovated many homes, completing work that includes plumbing, electrical repairs, roofing, decks, and wheelchair ramps. Stable housing has significant community benefits.

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Audrey Johnson states, “We can help families to have affordable, decent housing. Children can now go to school and focus, because they have a warm place to do work.” Occupying more homes also contributes to the local tax base and area businesses.

When a local family is selected as a partner, they participate in choosing a floor plan that fits their needs and budget. They help build their own home alongside volunteers, gaining practical knowledge of construction and maintenance in the process. To qualify, prospective homebuyers must have a steady income, meet household income limits, demonstrate creditworthiness, show a genuine need for decent housing, and be willing to invest “Sweat Equity.” A term coined by Habitat for Humanity, sweat equity describes the selected family participation in hands-on work and homeownership classes.

Currently, the chapter is renovating a five-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 12 Railroad Street in New Berlin. Applications for additional home repairs are temporarily closed while the organization focuses on completing this project.

Work takes place every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and volunteers with construction experience are especially needed, though anyone willing to contribute time and labor is welcome. The chapter also organizes fundraisers throughout the year. With over 600 vacant or abandoned homes in Chenango County, the need for volunteers, funding, and community awareness remains ongoing. Johnson said, “This is a hand up, not a hand out.”

To learn more, visit chenangohabitat.org, or email chenangohabitat@gmail.com to sign up to volunteer.