Ohio REALTORS partner with Habitat for Humanity of Ohio on a home build on the Statehouse lawn
Ohio REALTORS President Tiffany Meyer (right) and President-elect Anjanette Frye (left) meet the D'Agati family that were the recipients of the Habitat for Humanity of Ohio home that was built on the Ohio Statehouse lawn. Ohio REALTORS were a proud sponsor of the event designed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and spotlight the need for affordable housing across Ohio.
Ohio REALTORS partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Ohio to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and spotlight the need for affordable housing by working with elected officials to erect a home on the Ohio Statehouse grounds.
“REALTORS know the importance of home ownership and the freedom it provides – it strengthens communities and brings stability and a sense of place to families. This is something that Ohio REALTORS are committed to protecting,” said Ohio REALTORS President Tiffany Meyer. “While as a country we have made huge strides in our commitment to Fair Housing, for some homeownership remains out of reach. Fortunately, however, we are blessed with organizations like Habitat for Humanity of Ohio who perform the hard, necessary work to ensure all individuals and families have a decent place to live.”
The event, which occurred on April 11 during the Ohio REALTORS Spring Legislative Conference, involved more nearly 40 REALTORS, Ohio lawmakers and other supporters helping to start construction on a new home for Dave and Kate D’Agati and their two young daughters. Following the event, the home was disassembled and moved to a permanent site for the family in Union County.
“We wanted to start the construction process for this home on the Statehouse grounds because we want to raise awareness about the importance of everyone having access to affordable and fair housing, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender or sexuality,” said Ryan Miller, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ohio. “Everyone should be able to achieve the American dream of owning their own home. We are excited that our elected officials will roll up their sleeves and swing hammers in solidarity to support affordable and fair housing.”
Despite Dave’s job as a first-grade teacher, the D’Agati family has struggled to purchase their own home for years after outgrowing their two-bedroom rental. Through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Delaware and Union Counties, the dream of homeownership will become a reality.
After completing 300 hours of sweat equity, which will include helping build their own home and completing homeownership classes, the D’Agati family will purchase the home at fair market value with a zero-interest, affordable mortgage.
“To finally be able to put down roots in Union County feels wonderful,” Dave said. “Owning our home has been our dream for a long time. We will have a yard for our girls to play in, a home for them to grow up in and be a part of a great community where we can build our future.”
Ohio REALTORS, with more than 32,000 members, is the largest professional trade organization in the state.
