Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County finishes up 2 homes in Harvard

HARVARD – Jesus Rodarte on Sunday taught a Habitat for Humanity volunteer how to say a Spanish phrase.

“Bienvenido a casa,” he said.

Welcome home.

Rodarte was one of two McHenry County families who will be putting up a Christmas tree this week in a new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County.

The organization on Sunday dedicated the final two homes of 2015, as crews of volunteers and the new homeowners worked vigorously to put the final trimmings on the homes – just in time for Christmas.

Both in Harvard, one home was new construction that came on on land donated by Bank of America, and the second was a rehabilitation of an existing home.

Christine VanEnige and Adam Alonzo got the keys to their 709 University St. abode after years of constant moves and rent that chewed up nearly all of their monthly income. Most recently, they were living with Alonzo’s mother in Harvard, who also lives in a Habitat house.

VanEnige struggled to hold back tears during the dedication ceremony, as the couple’s 6-year-old daughter Izzy excitedly bounced through each of the home’s three bedrooms. Finally, VanEnige said, a steady home where Izzy can grow up.

“Getting those keys, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “This is it. We’re here. We’re home.”

Habitat homes are sold to families who qualify and are willing to make a down payment, put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity labor and can make a monthly mortgage payment, according to Habitat’s website. The homes are sold with a no-interest loan, and the homes are built or rehabbed by volunteers.

“It lifts up the entire neighborhood,” Executive Director Jerry Monica said. “We’re helping families, and neighborhoods and entire communities.”

Across town, at 703 W. Metzen, Rodarte, was envisioning a future for his three girls – Avril, 15, Arianna, 8, and Maria, 6 – one where he can save for their college tuition now that he’s not burdened with an of an overpriced rent. Before moving into their new home, Rodarte and wife, Sandra, paid more than $1,000 a month for a three-bedroom house in Woodstock.

Jesus Rodarte was happy to share the moment with the volunteers who helped build the house anew and the Habitat for Humanity staff who guided him along the process.

“This is not just our house, this is everybody’s house,” he said. “You are welcome anytime.”