Habitat homebuyer’s daughter has cerebral palsy and is a student at the school
On January 28, approximately 15 members of Bel Air’s Harford Academy (formerly known as the John Archer School) volunteered to help Habitat homebuyer LaTera Lawhorn towards completing her required 250 hours of “sweat equity.” The volunteers contributed the maximum allowable limit — 100 Friends & Family hours — in a show of support for the single mother of two, whose older daughter attends their school.
“Harford Academy staff is spending one of our Saturday’s to volunteer because our school community is a family and this is what we do. We come together to support each other. Family is what our school is all about,” said Harford Academy’s volunteer build organizer, Rachel Otremba, who is a Special Education Teacher and Technology Support Specialist at the school.
Although they worked at Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna’s current build site on Erie Street, Havre de Grace, construction of LaTera’s future home on Ohio Street won’t begin until the March timeframe. It will include wheelchair-accessible features, as LaTera’s daughter has cerebral palsy and does not walk. Members of the school plan to come back once that home build site is open to volunteers.
“Samiya has been attending Harford Academy since she was 3 years old,” said LaTera. “That school has been family to us, so when her teacher Ms. Rachel found out when we’re getting a house, she instantly asked how she could help. I explained to her about my construction hours. Ms. Rachel, along with other teachers, were 100 percent on board.”
Habitat homebuyer LaTera Lawhorn is working towards her required 250 “sweat equity” hours. Each applicant must complete their hours before move-in day, building their home or the home of another Habitat homebuyer. Since construction of LaTera’s home won’t begin until the March timeframe, she has been working at the current Habitat build sites, such as this one, pictured, at Erie Street, Havre de Grace. Habitat homebuyers also attend mandatory financial education classes, and will pay a mortgage made affordable specifically for them. By holding fundraisers and having volunteers build these Habitat homes, Habitat Susquehanna is able to help keep costs low and create an opportunity for someone who couldn’t afford a home the traditional way. 
LaTera is the single mother of two daughters, ages 12 and 7. The oldest has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. LaTera and her daughters are living in a one-bedroom, second story apartment where LaTera not only has to carry her 60-lb. daughter up and down stairs, but also their laundry, groceries and any specialized equipment needed for her daughter. LaTera stated in her Habitat application that the experience of being a Habitat homebuyer “would be life changing.” Her future home will be built on Ohio Street, Havre de Grace, with modifications made to accommodate her daughter’s accessibility needs.
As with all Habitat Susquehanna homebuyers, 200 of LaTera’s required “sweat equity” hours will go towards building her Habitat home or the home of another; and, the remaining 50 hours will go towards taking mandatory financial literacy classes (in order to learn good money management skills) and home maintenance classes. Approved homebuyers must go through the rigorous financial review process to ensure they are eligible candidates for Habitat Susquehanna’s Homeownership Program. The eligibility criteria include demonstrating a housing need; showing an ability to make monthly mortgage payments; and, willingness to partner with Habitat Susquehanna.
“My family is so grateful for the school and staff,” said LaTera. “It makes me feel like I will never be alone. They have my back.”
People interested in volunteering at any of the current home build sites can register through Habitat Susquehanna’s website at www.habitatsusq.org.
About Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian housing organization devoted to building, renovating and repairing houses in partnership with the community in Cecil and Harford counties. Since its inception in 1993, Habitat Susquehanna has served over 700 families through its Homeownership, Repair and Financial Literacy programs. For more information, call 410-638-4434 (Harford County) or 410-398-3399 (Cecil County), or visit www.habitatsusq.org.
