Habitat house was built by the students of the Cecil County School of Technology and will be transported from CCST to Manor Road once foundation is laid
On March 22, Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna held a groundbreaking ceremony in Elkton on the lot where a Habitat home will reside. The home was built by the students of the Cecil County School of Technology (CCST) in partnership with Habitat Susquehanna. The future Habitat homeowner, Felicia Hanna, is a single mother of three.
Felicia was joined by Habitat Susquehanna’s Executive Director, Yvonne Golczewski; CCST Principal Nicole Parr; and, the Cecil County Chief of Housing and Community Development, Earl Grey, in the ceremonial breaking of the ground with shovels that were placed in front of the build site area. In the following weeks, once the foundation has been laid, the “Habi-Tech” home will be transported from the CCST to its final, permanent location on Manor Road, where Habitat volunteers will be recruited to complete the home.
As with all Habitat homebuyers, Felicia was required to contribute 250 “sweat equity” hours building her home or the home of another; take mandatory financial literacy classes to learn good money management skills; and, take home maintenance classes. Felicia will be purchasing her home through a Habitat mortgage made affordable specifically for her.
(From left to right) Habitat homebuyer Felicia Hanna (and son); Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna Executive Director, Yvonne Golczewski; Cecil County Chief of Housing and Community Development, Earl Grey; and, Cecil County School of Technology Principal Nicole Parr, break ground in front of the Habitat build site (visible at far right). Habitat Susquehanna has identified this Cecil “Habi-Tech” home as part of its 2023 Building on Faith campaign, and financial support received to date under this fundraiser has included Wright’s AME Church in Elkton, and a matching sponsor donation by their Head of Missions, Mrs. Shirley Hicks. 
Future Habitat homeowner Felicia Hanna (on left) and Habitat Susquehanna’s Executive Director Yvonne Golczewski stand at the build site where Felicia’s Habitat home will be transported once the foundation is laid. Habitat homebuyers must complete their 250 “sweat equity” hours before move-in day, building their home or the home of another Habitat homebuyer. They also attend mandatory financial education and home maintenance classes so that they are able to take care of their homes both financially and physically in the future. They pay a mortgage made affordable specifically for them. By holding fundraisers and having volunteers build the 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. 
Future Habitat homeowner Felicia Hanna (on left) and Habitat Susquehanna’s Executive Director Yvonne Golczewski stand at the build site where Felicia’s Habitat home will be transported once the foundation is laid. Habitat homebuyers must complete their 250 “sweat equity” hours before move-in day, building their home or the home of another Habitat homebuyer. They also attend mandatory financial education and home maintenance classes so that they are able to take care of their homes both financially and physically in the future. They pay a mortgage made affordable specifically for them. By holding fundraisers and having volunteers build the 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. 
Once the foundation has been laid, the “Habi-Tech” house will be transported from the Cecil County School of Technology to its final, permanent location on Manor Road, Elkton. The house was built by the CCST students, under the guidance of their teachers, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna. It is the fourth “Habi-Tech” house built by the CCST and purchased by Habitat Susquehanna. Working on these home projects teaches students across the trades programs — such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC — multiple aspects of home design and construction.
Felicia’s “Habi-Tech” home is made more affordable thanks to volunteer support and sponsorships that keep construction costs low. To date, the “Habi-Tech” house sponsors include the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF); Department of Housing and Community Development – Community Legacy; Digging & Rigging, Inc.; Maryland Affordable Housing Trust; Battelle; Modular Genius; and, the United Way of Cecil County, as well as various churches, individuals, and businesses.
Once the “Habi-Tech” house has been transported to Manor Road, Habitat Susquehanna will be seeking volunteers to help with finishing the roof, drywalling, painting, flooring, cabinetry, etc. Volunteers do not need to have construction experience, only a desire to serve and a willingness to learn. Interested volunteers can sign up through Habitat Susquehanna’s website at www.habitatsusq.org (under the VOLUNTEER tab). Community, church or business groups can schedule a “team build day” directly through Habitat Susquehanna’s Volunteer Coordinator, Michele Louderback, at [email protected].
It is the fourth time that Habitat Susquehanna has purchased a “Habi-Tech” home built by the CCST. (The first home was in 2011 on Cherry Lane in Elkton. The second home was in 2019 on Richmond Street in Perryville. The third home was in 2021 on Walnut Street in Rising Sun.)
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.
