Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County dedicates its 135th home, giving one family a new beginning

The quiet street of Mimosa Lane in Levittown came alive with celebration on October 14 with the dedication of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County’s 135th home, a newly renovated three-bedroom house that now belongs to first-time homeowners Joey and Meg.

For the couple, who spent years overcoming financial hardship and uncertainty, the moment represented far more than unlocking a front door. It marked the culmination of a journey toward stability, peace, and the fulfillment of a long-held dream: to give their children the kind of secure home they themselves never had.

“This isn’t just a house to us,” said Meg, her voice thick with emotion as she stood in front of what would soon be their new home, with her husband, teenage son Gavin, and young daughter Kenzi. “This is stability, peace, safety. This is where we get to plant roots, start fresh, and begin a new chapter for our family. We’re deeply grateful to every single person who helped us get here. It’s a dream come true.”

Joey and Meg’s journey with Habitat began a year earlier when they enrolled in Habitat Bucks’ Almost Home financial empowerment program. At the time, homeownership felt out of reach, an aspiration shadowed by debt, uncertainty, and the instability of renting. But with guidance, classes, and their own determination, they began to rebuild their financial foundation.

“You took our financial empowerment program by storm,” said Florence Kawoczka, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, addressing the couple during the dedication ceremony. “It was admirable how you were able to turn your financial situation around. Everyone here has seen how hard you’ve worked to get here, and we couldn’t be happier for you and your children.”

Kawoczka emphasized that the home on Mimosa Lane had sat vacant for years, a blighted property in need of care. Thanks to Habitat’s partnership with the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority (RDA), the County of Bucks, and generous sponsors like Parx Casino, M&T Bank, PECO-Exelon, GAF, and Lemus Construction, that eyesore has been transformed into a place of beauty and belonging.

“Thanks to the RDA’s blight program, we were able to buy this home and turn it around,” Kawoczka explained. “The County of Bucks and our state partners have been incredible in helping us bridge the gap between the cost of construction and what a family can afford to pay. Every hand, every person truly makes a difference, whether swinging a hammer or working behind the scenes.”

Throughout the ceremony, speaker after speaker highlighted the collective effort that made the project possible, a collaboration of government, business, faith, and community.

Rev. Dr. Doug Hoglund from Woodside Church in Yardley opened the event with a prayer of gratitude: “Please strengthen our community through homes raised up and renovated by Habitat staff, volunteers, and homeowners. Empower families so they can finally unlock that front door, cross that threshold, into a house they can call home.”

Mike Wilson, President of Habitat Bucks’ Board of Directors, commended Joey and Meg for their perseverance. “Homeownership is more than a roof over your head,” he said. “It’s a source of stability and intergenerational wealth. It improves mental and physical health and supports children’s success in school. With this house, Joey and Meg are on the threshold of all those benefits.”

Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie reflected on how Habitat’s work is keeping alive the vision that Levittown was founded on, a place for working families to build new lives. “About 75 years ago, Levittown was designed to be a neighborhood where young families could start out,” Harvey said. “But as housing costs have risen, it’s become harder for families to afford homes here. Habitat, the RDA, and the county are keeping that dream alive. I’m proud to be a small part of helping families like yours come here and call this place home.”

State Senator Steve Santarsiero echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Habitat’s mission represents not only bricks and mortar, but heart and home. “To be able to call this your home, to raise your kids here and make memories together, that’s what this is all about,” he said.

A hallmark of Habitat Bucks’ model is “sweat equity”; the hands-on hours homebuyers invest in building or renovating their own homes. Joey and Meg participated fully, working alongside volunteers and Habitat’s construction team.

“I want to thank Habitat for the opportunity to build my own house,” Joey said simply. “It’s a blessing.”

For Melissa Lee Thornton, Vice President and Mortgage Loan Originator at Penn Community Bank, who worked closely with the couple during their financial readiness process, their determination was inspiring. “From day one, Joey and Meg were goal-oriented and driven,” she said. “They put in the work that’s instrumental in making a change for their family, through the good and the bad, the joy and the tears. You deserve every bit of this because you earned it.”

Stephanie Clark, Habitat Bucks’ Family Program Director, praised the couple’s commitment and explained how the Almost Home program equips families with tools to take control of their finances. “It’s free and open to the public,” she said. “Whether you’re doing well or struggling, it gives people a vehicle to take charge and meet their goals. For Joey and Meg, it was the foundation to make ‘home sweet home’ happen.”

Clark presented the family with a Bible, a certificate, and handmade quilts from Quilts for Kids for their new home, symbolizing warmth, faith, and community.

Victor Lemus, founder and president of Lemus Construction, a longtime Habitat partner, presented the family with the key to their new home. His company has donated roofing and siding work to Habitat projects for more than 15 years.

“Today isn’t just about a new house,” Lemus said. “It’s about what this home means, hard work, community, and new beginnings. Habitat opens doors for families like Joey and Meg, giving them a chance to build their future with their own hands. You worked hard for this moment, and you showed your kids what it means to fight for your dream. I hope this key opens the door to a home filled with love and amazing memories.”

Alexander Mauro, speaking on behalf of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, presented the family with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. “Today isn’t just about walls and rooms,” Mauro said. “It’s about stability, opportunity, and community. Homeownership represents the foundation of the American Dream, and when we lift up one family, we strengthen the entire community.”

As Kawoczka summed up, “Even one family, one household, can make a positive ripple effect across our county. It’s teamwork that makes it work, and today, that teamwork gave one family a future filled with possibility.”