Dedication Brings Habitat House Tally to 109

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Her hand clutched around the precious metal possession as it, along with her teary eyes, gazed skyward, and a beaming smile of joy enveloped her face, Penny turned to the crowd, proudly exclaiming, “I got my keys, my house y’all!”

Saturday, in front of her new Habitat for Humanity home, located at 116 William Street in the City of Newburgh), that sheer jubilation could be seen, heard and felt, as Penny officially became the 109th owner, as well as the sixth on that street, of a Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh home- a PresbyBuild-11- at the Home Dedication event.

Like Penny herself, described by all who know her, as special- filled with an unmatched zest and appreciation for others and life, her Habitat home journey followed an authentically, “beautiful” course, as related by Jill Marie, Executive Director of the Newburgh Chapter.

“Today is a truly blessed day,” Jill Marie welcomed in guests on a sunny, crystal blue sky spring day. “This house started in 2019, and as all else shut down, so too did our development of this (in the form of a two year break), but it was also worked out perfectly, because we were able to meet Penny, and for anyone who knows her, they know how big her faith and heart are.” Jill Marie continued, “I can’t think of anyone better who this could have happened to.”

And once that opportunity was awarded, which included the inaugural Habitat of Greater Newburgh home owner chance to “select her own home,” Penny not only accepted it, she ran with it, completing all of her required 250 “sweat equity” hours in an incredulous 6 months time. Her energy was a tangible force throughout the home’s construction process.

“She is one of the most energetic people I have ever worked with,” said Jason Rivera, the Site Coordinator, about Penny’s enthusiasm and commitment toward her house’s completion.

Adding to the amazing nature of her rapid progression through the program was the fact she worked full-time, nights, and oftentimes those logged hours were on limited sleep. However, with the prospect of her lifelong dream of home ownership always at the forefront, along with a strong support system, Penny, never wavered in her impressive dedication, energy level, gratitude and sheer joy, evident by her contagious smile and always friendly, positive disposition.

“With the help of Jesus Christ, I went from the bottom to the top,” Penny, wearing a necklace with her mother’s image- a constant reminder of love and support- relayed to the crowd. “I want to thank Habitat who has had a special impact on me and is always bettering lives; they have some of the strongest, most patient seniors I have ever worked with, and their organization is building Newburgh up, bit by bit, giving us a fighting chance, and something I can now pass down to my grandchildren, thank you.”

Assisting in that process was a contingent of over 80 volunteers from an array of organizations. The venture further included two Family Advocates: Karen Adamson and Janet Dewitt. Although Adamson could not attend the Dedication, she provided moving remarks, read by Milagros Flores, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh Programs & Service Director, which referred to Penny as an incredible human being, a pleasure to work with, who was “a force of nature.”

Flores too could not have felt more fortunate to have crossed paths with Penny, witnessing her unmatched work ethic, passion for people, and commitment to her journey of home ownership.

“I have the most wonderful job in the world because I get to meet people like Penny who want a piece of the dream,” Flores told guests at the Dedication. “She epitomizes the dedication that is involved, and it is a true pleasure to see her get her home.”

Among the impressive contingent of family-many of whom came as far away as Tennessee and friends, some local dignitaries were in attendance, including, Life Restoration Church Pastor; Reverend McLymore, who also serves as a City of Newburgh Councilman.

“It’s so important to have your own place, so you can do what you want,” stressed McLymore as he surveyed the outside of Penny’s new 116 William Street space. “I’ve been pushing people in my church to go from renting to owning; I want everyone to know, you can own your own place.”