HARFORD, Md. — From a foundation made of wood, nails and sawdust to a place Eureka and her 3 children can call home.

It’s just a decent place to raise their kids,” said Yvonne Golczewski, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna.

The finished home is the product of 8 months of work, over $70,000 raised, and over 250 hours of work that the buyer put in themselves.

“She has to put in the time to help build the house. She’s a single mother. She juggled her job and her kids and it was a lot,” Golczewski said.

According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2023, first-time home buyers accounted for 32% of the market. Over the past four decades, the median age has increased from 29 to 35.

“A lot of our home buyers move from place to place. One of them moved 7 times in 10 years. But it’s a house,” Golczewski said.

Local churches and community groups donated paper towels and pillows to help fill the house. A nearby library gave the children a shelf of blankets, books and personalized notes.

“We really depend on our supporters, our donors and our volunteers. The volunteers help keep the price of labor low so the family can afford to purchase the house,” said Golczewski.

THE Women’s Building Campaign 2024 played a crucial role in the completion of the work. Teams led by 14 women donated more than 1,000 hours of their time to accomplish the mission.

In total, volunteers spent more than 3,800 hours completing the house and they are always looking for more people to help.

Habit for Humanity Susquehanna is working to house 3 additional families in time for the holidays.

Click here for more information about volunteering and donating.