By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Tressa Boles, a former Junction neighborhood resident, returned to her old neighborhood as a homeowner through the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity’s (MVHFH) homeownership program. The occasion was celebrated through a home dedication ceremony on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Erin McPartland, MVHFH’s executive director, opened the ceremony with passionate words that were followed by a home dedication prayer and presentation of a Bible by Pastor Art Battle of Gethsemane Christian Discipleship Church which is Boles’ church.
“Thank you for joining us. Tressa is really loved,” began McPartland. “We know that, and we love her. Tressa gives so much love, and today reflects what she gives to us. Tressa was born just one street over, and today she will receive a new Bible because she buried her Bible in the porch foundation. I want to also thank our donors, our staff and volunteers for making this happen.”
Kind remarks and gift were presented to Boles by Emily Buller and Jan Mills of MVHFH, Anita Filas of Schindler, Sue Wiedmer of Toledo Needle Arts Guide and from Lucas County Landbank employees Shantae Brownlee and Stephanie Shackelford.
“This project started in 2014 when Lucas County Landbank provided the land,” began Shantae Brownlee, Lucas County LandBank, senior vice president for Operations & chief financial officer, during the presentation of the home key to the homeowner. “There are people that think this land has no value. This land does have value and we have value.”
Boles’ home is the second of two homes built in the Junction neighborhood on Belmont, the overall goal is to build 15 new homes. The homes were funded by Greater Toledo Community Foundation, ProMedica Junction, Owens Corning, City of Toledo, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Lucas County LandBank, Toledo Design Collective and many others. The Junction project is also supported by Buckeye Broadband, Cree Lighting, Fypon, Junction Coalition, Nicole Kaptur-Cacharyasz, Ring, Yale Locks, MVHFH Board of Trustees and also Feller, Finch & Associates.
“Thank you for coming. I want to thank God,” said Boles as she began to sing, “Thank you Lord.” “I am so overwhelmed by this blessing from God. Thank you, Habitat, thank you to my family and thank you all for being here.”
According to the MVHFH website, Tressa along with MVHFH future homeowners must complete a minimum number of 250 volunteer hours also known as Sweat Equity Hours, homeowner education courses and meet other eligibility requirements. The entire process can take between 12-18 months to purchase the home, Tressa’s process took 17 months. For additional information about MVHFH, visit www.mvhabitat.org
