Determined mom celebrates completion of healthy home for her children

Habitat for Humanity–North Central Georgia dedicated a new house in Woodstock on July 15th. Angela Scheitlin and her two children, William (9) and Zoey (8), now call this house a home. Angela purchased the home from Habitat-North Central Georgia with an interest-free mortgage, and they will never have to move again because of rising rents. The celebration had several highlights, including a special Bible reading by Angela’s grandfather, whose church, a part of the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity, contributed towards the cost of building the home. The Habitat Campus Chapter at Blessed Trinity Catholic School also presented the family with a handmade bookcase full of books for the children to read. The joyful event marks the beginning of a more stable future for the Scheitlin family, who has faced many challenges.

More than a House

For the Scheitlins, this new house represents more than just stability for the family. This house provides the two children, both with serious medical needs, a safe, healthy home. William suffers from severe food and environmental allergies and Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that forces his body to reject gluten. Zoey has had chronic pneumonia since birth, as well as asthma and bronchial inflammation. She has been undergoing extensive medical treatment for an undiagnosed underlying condition that causes her to have high fevers, swollen glands, and aches and pains. So, for the Scheitlins, a healthy home could be a matter of life and death for the children.

“Building an ‘allergy-free’ home for this family was such a pleasure, and it makes it even more fulfilling when the family is as deserving as the Scheitlins,” said Habitat-NCG Construction Manager David Young. Habitat-NCG made several modifications to this home to accommodate the children’s special needs, including installation of an air purification system and kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling to reduce dust and air-borne allergens. Also, the house has no carpet.

With ongoing medical appointments and the specialized care needed for her children, Angela is only able to work part-time at the Home Depot, which has made safe, affordable housing out of reach. Now, William and Zoey know that they will be able to attend the same school and grow up with their grandparents close by.

Positivity and Determination

Despite her many challenges, Angela’s positivity has always shown through. Her motto is “With God’s help, I got this!” From the moment Angela was approved as a Habitat homeowner, she started earning the required “sweat equity” hours by working on the construction of other families’ homes. Habitat-North Central Georgia staff and regular volunteers noted that Angela and her family were some of the hardest working, most dedicated people on the job site each day. Young said that Angela, her parents, and brother were always ready to pitch in, and Angela always had an “unforgettable smile.”

“This journey means the world to me. I now have a home and a brighter future for my kids and myself. I am glad that I was required to build on others’ homes because I learned a lot by watching others go through this experience before me and the love and care that goes into each home and their diverse needs. I also like that I was required to be at my house every Saturday. It was amazing to learn how to build and fix my house as it grew. It is great to put my heart and determination into my home. All the hard work truly makes me feel more confident and secure in my home. I am confident that I can do any repairs that may come my way and know the resources around me to support me. . . . Also I know that we will care for this home because it has the love of dozens of volunteers caring for my family in it and that makes it super special. My family will forever be grateful and in awe of this beautiful gift,” expressed Angela.

One of the hallmarks of Habitat for Humanity is that families are required to help build their home and the homes of other families. They also purchase their home with a zero-interest mortgage and affordable monthly payments.

Generous Sponsors

Schoen Insulation Services (SIS) made the construction of the Scheitlin family’s home possible through their generous full-house sponsorship. Stephen Schoen, CEO and former Habitat-North Central Georgia board member, and his company have been long-time loyal supporters of the organization. The Scheitlin family’s home marks the 14th house that SIS has sponsored and helped build with Habitat-North Central Georgia.

In addition, the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity sponsored the land for the home.

“The Coalition really enjoyed working on Angela’s house this year as Angela’s grandparents are members of one of our participating churches. It was great to see not only Angela working on her house, but her siblings, Dad and Grandpa as well . . . . The dedication was great and shows just how many people were involved in building one Habitat House to make a home for one family. This is where all God’s people work together to do something much greater than anyone can do on their own,” stated Don Snyder, representing the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity.

Additional financial and volunteer support was provided by the following sponsors: Delta Community Credit Union, Norplex-Micarta, Alan and Morgan Hamilton Charitable Fund, Gerome Technologies, Davis, Pickren, Seydel & Sneed, LLP, Phillips Corporation, I.D.S.I. Products of Georgia, Inc., and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency.