VILLAGE OF LINCOLN HEIGHTS, Ohio — A partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati and the Ohio National Financial Services resulted in the dedication of a new home to a Village of Lincoln Heights family for the first time since 2009.
"This was a lot," new homeowner Jordan Lounds said. "I'm just so grateful that we have this home to start and, hopefully, expand my family and rebuild my credit."
Lounds was also part of the build team, putting in hundreds of hours to complete the construction. Between helping build her own house, going to school full-time and raising her 9-year-old daughter though, Lounds said it was all worth it.
This house, located on Jackson Street, marks the first home Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati helped construct in the VIllage of Lincoln Heights in 10 years. The village's mayor, Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey, said community leaders had to change aspects of the village, such as the police department and roadways, before the nonprofit would come back.
"We knew it was important for us to do that and change the story or begin to slowly change the story," Kinsey-Mumphrey said.
The Lounds' house is one of two homes on Jackson Street being built through the partnership of Habitat for Humanity and the Ohio National Financial Services. The partnership is expected to continue through 2021, and the organizations have committed to build 26 homes in that time.
"Quality, affordable housing contributes to the strength of families and the stability of our community," Ohio National Financial Services' chairman and chief executive officer Gary "Doc" Huffman said in a statement. "We're happy to help local families like the Lounds establish more secure futures for them through home ownership."
