For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On Nov. 9, Wisconsin Rapids Area Habitat for Humanity celebrated the culmination of the construction success of its 18th home at a Home Dedication Ceremony at 741 18th Ave. S., Wisconsin Rapids.

The public was in attendance as the family received the keys to the home; those joining in the ceremony included local officials, clergy and church groups, Habitat Board members, local business sponsors, volunteers, and the Meza family.

The program included prayer, a history on Habitat, recognition of volunteers, a welcome by Mayor Zack Vruwink, receipt of a check for the first mortgage payment, and presentation of house keys and a Bible to the family.

The new homeowner, Alma Meza, thanked all those who worked so hard to make this dream, home ownership, become a reality.

To purchase this home, Alma and her family had to apply to Habitat and meet all the necessary requirements in addition to performing hundreds of sweat equity hours.  Their monthly mortgage payment will purchase the home with Habitat’s zero-percent mortgage and no cash down-payment requirement. The family assumes a 30-year mortgage, insurance, and property taxes.  Their mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat houses in the area.