Superior Family to Get Home after Daughter's Dies
Friday, October 5, 2012 - 5:49pm
By:
Maya Holmes
Photojournalist:
Adam Jagunich
FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT
SUPERIOR - A family in Superior will soon move into a new home donated by a non-profit organization known as Habitat for Humanity. Crews have been working on the house for nearly a year, getting it ready for a family whose story is capturing the hearts of the town."We are excited to get a start, excellent," said future homeowner Heather Christianson.
"Now you have a house to play in," said Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Daryl Yankee.
The family got the call just two weeks ago that a house being built by donated goods and time would be theirs.
"I just remember telling my kids we're gonna get that house cause we had drove past the house," said Heather.
It's been a tough year for the family. Their search for a new home earlier this year quickly dried up because they couldn't get approved for a house that was big enough for a family of seven. And less than 3 months ago, the family of seven became six.
Lacey's twin sister Lilly died of SIDS at just 6 months old.
"It's been a rough road,” said Heather. “But this is one positive thing that our family has gotten in the last few months so it's great for us."
Now, crews are fixing up their new home. It’s a house that was donated and moved to Superior where non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity is spearheading the project.
Habitat for humanity officials say their ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty and poverty housing.
"We believe that everybody deserves a safe decent place to sleep at night,” said Yankee. “Our program is designed to help folks like the Christiansons."
The program prides itself on not charging families interest, so the Christiansons will have an interest-free mortgage.
"We make those monthly payments to a point where it's no more than 30 percent of their income, so they do have plenty left over for food and clothing,” said Yankee.
Packing is underway for the family. They'll move into the 4 bedroom, 2 bath house just before Christmas.
"A fresh start with the kids,” said Heather. “Starting over fresh and to move forward with our lives."
If you would like to help cover Lilly's medical and funeral expenses or donate to the Habitat for Humanity click on the links tab at fox21online.com
There is also a memorial account set up for Lilly at Park State Bank, 2630 West Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55806.