Habitat for Humanity dedicates new home
Michael Palmer receives a flag from Shannon Sams-Harper, from the Blennerhassett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, during the celebration of Palmer’s Habitat For Humanity home Sunday. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Michael Palmer, center, speaks to a group Sunday after receiving the keys to his house. This was the 114th completed house by the Habitat For Humanity of the Mid-ohio Valley. Also pictured is Belpre Mayor Michael Lorentz, left, and Gwen Ward. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Michael Palmer receives a flag from Shannon Sams-Harper, from the Blennerhassett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, during the celebration of Palmer’s Habitat For Humanity home Sunday. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
Michael Palmer, center, speaks to a group Sunday after receiving the keys to his house. This was the 114th completed house by the Habitat For Humanity of the Mid-ohio Valley. Also pictured is Belpre Mayor Michael Lorentz, left, and Gwen Ward. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)
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BELPRE -- The Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley handed over the keys to their 114th home Sunday to Michael Palmer and his family.
"No one becomes a home owner of a habitat home without putting in at least 200 hours of sweat equity," Board President Mike Tucker said. "Mike (Palmer) did that, and kind of blew that away, with 500 at this point. That's amazing and commendable."
Palmer said he has been volunteering since 2020 and has worked on eight or nine houses.
"It's been a blessing ever since," Palmer said. "It's nice to have my own space, away from the apartments, and making new memories. It's such a blessing."
Palmer said he plans to continue his volunteer work and encourages others to do the same.
"It's just an amazing experience," Palmer said. "I recommend volunteering for Habitat to anyone, or providing meals, or just anything. You can learn a lot from the volunteers."
Palmer grew up in a Habitat For Humanity home after his mother received one when he was a child.
“When it was done, it was something we could call our own and make new memories in, much like this house here is," Palmer said. "It’s amazing to have her here."
Robin Stewart, executive director, thanked Palmer's mother, Chris Painter, for being a homeowner and for raising Palmer in that environment.
"Thank you for taking that step and for Mike (Palmer) being able to grow up in a Habitat house and learning those values," Stewart said. "You certainly taught him hard work."
Tucker said this home was sponsored by The Marietta Community Foundation, The Belpre Area Community Foundation, The United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, The Marietta Noon Rotary and the Marietta Welfare League.
"We can't do it without them," Tucker said.
Palmer said he has never had the space before to invite friends and family over for gatherings. He said that is his plan now that he has the space.
"Family, the people that we're close to, we want to have them around for as long as we can," Palmer said. "So, it's nice to have a place where you can have the people in your life, the people you care about the most, come and enjoy each other's company. And just make new memories."