After almost a year of dreaming, saving, working and planning - the Seachrists are set to spend the new year in their new home.

When the family of seven came to us, they were living in a small three-bedroom apartment under threat of eviction because the number of people in their rental unit exceeded what was allowed. Despite having a good income, they were struggling financially due to medical bills accrued during their son’s battle with cancer.

Parents, Amber and Robert, are going through the IDA program to save up their down payment and working with our Homeownership Program Manager, Diane Crabtree, to build their credit and prepare for the purchase. They should be in the house early in the new year.

Before and after of the work that has been done so far on the Seachrist’s future home.

“I am so proud of them. They were in a difficult situation but have been working hard and are close to being mortgage ready.” Diane said.

The home the Seachrists are purchasing seemed destined just for them. A year ago, we received a call from the Wells Fargo Foundation about the possible donation of a five bedroom home on East 7th Avenue here in Hutchinson. The house had been empty for nearly 10 years and had all the problems that go along with that, but we saw the potential blessing this home could be. The donation of a house this large is rare, so our staff instantly thought of this family.

So many organizations and individuals have been involved in getting the house ready, there is no room to list them all here. From major financial support for the project to countless volunteer hours, both skilled and unskilled - the community has really rallied around this family, this home, and this neighborhood.

The Seachrists (minus mom who was taking the picture) on their Make A Wish trip to Disney.

“I cannot thank Interfaith and all of their supporters enough. We had just about given up the dream of having a real home again and thanks to you, now our dream is coming true,” said Amber.

Thanks to a grant from Rural Local Initiatives Support Corp, not only will the neighborhood be impacted by this home, but we are seeking to make a larger impact on the whole block.

On United Way Community Work Day, our Director of Community Revitalization, Jeff Thomson coordinated with APAC Sheers and the City of Hutchinson to repair sidewalks up and down the block.

On United Way Community Work Day Kroger Accounting worked on painting both inside and out. The cooperation on this house and around the community this day made the Hutchinson News! Read the story here.