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Habitat for Humanity in Champaign County, an affiliate of HFHO – Habitat for Humanity Ohio, as well as HFHI – Habitat for Humanity International, began its first home in 2006 in Urbana.

Eighteen years later the affiliate, in good standing with HFHI due to its tithing and procedural accuracy, is working on the completion of its 14th home for Justin and Brittany Craig Ropp, and their two children, Justice and Levi.

Brittany and Justin met 10 years ago and have been married now for one year. Justice, their daughter, is a senior at Hi-Point in the HCA program (Health Careers) – studying to be a nurse practitioner. Justice loves her experience at Hi-Point. Hands-on learning and actual experience on the “job” are intriguing for Justice.

Levi is a junior at Urbana High School and has aspirations to be a mailman or possibly work as an electrician. The family will be moving into their new HFHCCO (Habitat for Humanity Champaign County Ohio) home in March of 2025. The Ropps are assisting in the build of their home with able help from their church family at Woodstock Community Church, Pastor Rob Erwin and his wife Nicole, along with HFHCCO volunteers and board members.

Brittany heard about the availability of applying for a Habitat home via the ReStore at 1007 N. Main in Urbana – one of HFHCCO’s community offerings. She had seen photos of prior builds and found her preapplication at the Restore. Preapplications are also available at the HFHCCO website – hfhcco.org under the tab Apply.

Brittany knew a Habitat home owner and was aware of the process. Brittany shared that her pastor reminded her to go boldly to the Throne and ask for a home as the need was great for the family. Brittany submitted her application and attended the local orientation gathering. The rest is history, as they say, as the Ropps were chosen for the 14th Sizemore Habitat home, duly named to honor Connie Sizemore Cupps and her family who originally lived at the West Poplar Street address in St. Paris the 1950s.

According to the Ropps, the build is going well. HFHCCO volunteers and board members note the Ropp family is attentive, dedicated, and always on the job during Saturday’s build. Brittany mentions the body of Christ in helping build their home. She remarked all are working together with many other businesses, churches, and volunteers to complete their home.

The Ropp family is thankful. Daughter Justice also chimed in that she enjoys the church gatherings in Woodstock and is interested in youth group. Brittany gave credit to Hi-Point and her mentors. She earned her GED there. Justin graduated from Kenton High School north of Champaign County.

Rob worked at the Caring Kitchen when Brittany was living there. She spoke lovingly of Marilyn Freyhof and so many others who guided and supported her as she found her path to wholeness. She also mentioned all who believed in them …mentioning Andrea, from Ohio Means Jobs, a WIA program, that awarded her a scholarship used at Clark State. The Ropps are advocates for Habitat, sharing their appreciation for the Habitat love and support. Brittany encouraged all to apply for the homes by accessing the website at hfhcco.org or stopping by the ReStore at 1007 N. Main in Urbana. She reminded all to apply more than once, stay positive, and believe in hope.

Justin is employed at ColePak now for over four years. He encouraged those who apply for a Habitat home to show up. He finds the Habitat workers, mentors, volunteers to be helpful, easy to work with, and supportive. Brittany loves her mentor, HFHCCO board member Lori Kauffman, and has a good relationship with her and others on the board.

The Ropp family encourages the community at large to support Habitat and the ReStore. “Stop by the build some Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 228 W. Poplar Street in St. Paris. Break bread with us all … have some fellowship … and feel the love. Don’t forget this scripture – Hebrews 3:4 – Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God,” local Habitat organizers said.

Applications for the 2025 home to be built next year are currently closed. Anyone interested in applying for a Habitat home must be gainfully employed, pay taxes, have lived in Champaign County for at least one year, and be able to assist in the sweat equity build of the home.

Homes are interest free with the mortgage held by HFHCCO. Each home has four bedrooms, a bath and a half, dining, living area and kitchen, utility room and porch. Homes are appointed with new appliances, flooring, painting completed by local painters or volunteers. The homes are appraised at over $210,000.

Mortgages include escrow and usually come in at $700 a month for 20 years. Any local churches or businesses who wish to support Habitat may do so by contacting any HFHCCO board members: Rick Kauffman and his wife, Lori; Rob and Michele Johnson, Miranda Rodgers, Pastor Ray Branstiter, Lori Rose, Kimberly Shoemaker, Greg and Marcia Ward.

We thank all of our many volunteers. ReStore manager is Debby Goddard and volunteers are Mary Ellen Henson, Tami Troyer and Susan Wilson. Habitat for Humanity in Champaign County is a local mission. We believe that all people deserve decent housing. Join us in this endeavor.

Info from Habitat for Humanity in Champaign County