Three more Findlay families have keys to homes they helped build. Findlay-Hancock County Habitat for Humanity held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, October 20, for Homes 71, 72 and 73 on Bishop Lane, and used the celebration to launch its next major project, a Women Build planned for 2027.
Each of the three houses came together a different way, The Courier reported. Home 71 was an apostle build by 14 area churches, Home 72 was sponsored by Marathon Petroleum with company employees doing the work, and Home 73 was a community build with volunteers from across Findlay and Hancock County. Hundreds of volunteers worked on the houses, and local businesses donated money, materials and food for the crews.
The three homes were built for larger families and each has four bedrooms, while most Habitat homes have three. One new homeowner, a mother of three young children who had also volunteered on other Habitat houses, said at the ceremony that her family is looking forward to spending the holidays in their new home.
Executive Director Warren Long pointed out that Habitat does not give homes away. Partner families put in sweat equity hours helping to build their own houses and the homes of others. Long said a Habitat house typically costs $140,000 to $160,000 to build and appraises at roughly $210,000 to $225,000.
At the same event, longtime Habitat supporter Sandy Franks announced the Women Build for 2027. Franks is giving $25,000 now and has pledged another $25,000 once the community matches the first gift, for a total of $50,000. She said she took part in one of the earliest Women Builds, in Dallas about 26 years ago, and hopes her gift encourages others to step up because many more people are still waiting for a home.
Volunteers are scheduled to start building Home 74 in March 2027, with teams raising money and filling work shifts together. Organizers said the hands-on crews will be women, with men welcome to help guide and answer questions, and a major goal is teaching new building skills. Since it started, Findlay-Hancock County Habitat for Humanity has built 73 homes for area families, and people who want to donate or join a Women Build team can contact Habitat in Findlay.
