Habitat for Humanity dedicates home in South Range
SOUTH RANGE — Kathy Balog finally has a house of her own.
Copper Country Habitat for Humanity held a dedication ceremony for the home in South Range Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a little bit overwhelming, because I never thought I’d see this day,” Balog said. “Everybody dreams of owning their own home, and I feel like I’m late in the stage. It’s just something I’ve always wanted.”
Normally, volunteers would come together to build a house, which COVID made impossible. Balog was able to move into a pre-existing Habitat for Humanity home after CCH4H bought it back from the original owner, who moved in 2019.
Balog still had to put in the required 200 hours of sweat equity. She made cosmetic improvements to the home, such as painting and putting in new flooring. And she also helped out at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
“There were a number of things we asked her to do that are a little bit different than most families that can come in and help with the build, but I suspect that she will be a partner with a next build,” said Roni Lessard, a member of the partnership committee who worked as Balog’s partner in the process.
Since moving back to the area in 2004, Balog has volunteered at numerous places, including Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Community Action Agency, E.B. Holman School, Dial Help and Copper Country Humane Society.
She learned about Habitat for Humanity while serving as an AmeriCorps member when she traveled down to Purt Huron to help out with a build there. A couple of years ago, she attended another dedication ceremony in South range for a home on Champion Street.
“I decided then I’d like to try for a new home,” she said.
She received the keys Saturday, along with a Bible and gifts. Balog also brought gifts for Habitat members — mugs with the image of the Upper Peninsula and the word “home.”
Balog wishes she could have had a house like that when her son was growing up. But now that she’ll be out of her apartment, she’ll have room for friends and family to be able to stay over.
“It’s going to be life-changing for me, very much,” she said. “And I am super excited about this and can’t wait to finally move in.”
With vaccinations underway, normal home building will resume soon — and close by. Next to Balog’s house was a rectangular slab marking where volunteers and a new homeowner will start building a house in May.