During a recent dedication celebration, three families officially became homeowners through Habitat for Humanity (HFH) of Chester County.

Current HFH of Chester County board president Michael Cappelletti presided over the event and introduced the guest speakers, many of whom were from area businesses that supported the project, as well as volunteers and local officials. "The home dedication is the culmination of all the good work that we do at Habitat," Cappelletti stated.

"Each time I come to these dedications and see the families that move into the homes, it is the highlight of my career," added Patrick Bokovitz, director of the Chester County Department of Community Development.

Pastor Dan Krewson of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester offered the opening prayer. Chris Wiseman, executive director of HFH of Chester County, introduced the Pursell, Ortiz and Carter families, each of which was presented a Bible and a hammer to symbolize the work that went into building the homes.

Guest speakers included Carolyn Wilt and Terri Seamen of Thrivent Financial, who spoke of their pride in partnering with HFH and congratulated the homeowners. Vernita Dorsey drove from Delaware to also congratulate the homeowners as the representative from WSFS Bank, which has partnered with HFH of Chester County for more than five years. Stephen Briggs of Wells Fargo presented the organization with a check for $20,000 to go toward future projects in the Coatesville area. Mike Smith from the Giant Company presented the homeowners with grocery bags full of pantry staples and $3,500 to go toward food shopping. He also acknowledged that each family would receive free delivery of their groceries for a year.

Local dignitaries at the dedication event included Coatesville City Council president Linda Lavender-Norris, Coatesville City Council member Donald Folks and former HFH of Chester County board presidents Michael Leader and Andy Signore. Charles "Chip" Houston, who served as executive director of HFH of Chester County's for 17 years and is now Coatesville assistant city manager, was also in attendance.

Krewson provided the final prayer and blessed each home individually, with the help of all in attendance, who collectively placed their hands on the new homes.

According to http://www.hfhcc.org, Habitat homes are not provided to the homeowners free of charge. In addition to an affordable monthly mortgage payment, each homeowner must complete at least 200 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build their home. These houses in particular were constructed during the pandemic, so volunteers and homeowners had to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions.

Habitat is currently accepting applications for homes in the same Coatesville development. The application and qualifications can be found at http://www.hfhcc.org/homeownership.

For more information about HFH of Chester County, located at 1847 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, visit the previously mentioned website, call 610-384-7993 or visit http://www.facebook.com/chescohabitat.