Homeowner pays off Habitat for Humanity mortgage
CHICO >> A homeowner’s dream came true this week.
Pam Halstead lives in the first Habitat for Humanity home built in Butte County. She has paid off the last bit of her mortgage and board members, family, community members and Habitat for Humanity builders gathered at her home on Ivy Street on Thursday to commemorate the occasion with sparkling cider, speeches and a cake.
“Habitat’s mission is to build houses, community and hope,” said Cindy Webb, Habitat for Humanity Development Communications Assistant. “The home was built by volunteers.”
Halstead helps the community by giving out free vegetables from her garden. She also helped young children who live nearby in a housing project by inviting them to come over and play at her house. Their parents were working and they didn’t want to be alone. She had a basketball hoop installed in the yard and the children would shoot hoops and play games.
Halstead had to leave the home for a short period of time and then returned. Halstead moved into the home 30 years ago. Halstead’s neighbor was thrilled when she returned.
“It’s a myth that Habitat for Humanity just gives homes away,” said Webb. “Pam always wanted a porch and she shared stories with me.”
“I’m very blessed and thankful,” Halstead said Thursday. “I thank the volunteers who made this happen. I love my home and my neighborhood.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Nicole Bateman was happy to be a witness to the celebration and see the organization’s hard work pay off.
“This is a wonderful celebration,” said Bateman. “It’s a blessing to be here today to see this come to fruition. This is a huge milestone for this family.”