Thanks to Habitat for Humanity and Anheuser-Busch, Laurena Morisset and her three children have a new, affordable home to live in.
Construction started on the 1,200-square-foot house in August in the Ironbound Road redevelopment area in James City County, near New Town. Morisset, who works at Consulate Healthcare in Williamsburg, has three children; her oldest daughter Ana, age 20, had meningitis as a child and now has symptoms similar to cerebral palsy, so the home is handicap-accessible. Morisset has a 17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, too.
The agencies held a dedication ceremony Tuesday for the family, who got to cut a ceremonial ribbon and receive a few housewarming gifts while surrounded by family and the people who helped to make the home a reality. County staff and representatives were also on hand to celebrate.
“Our employees truly enjoyed partnering with Habitat to help build this home for our neighbors,” said Kristin Craft, Senior People Manager for the Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg brewery. “We’re helping provide families safe, affordable houses, which will build strong communities for generations to come.”
“It was so inspiring to have a company like Anheuser-Busch not only provide a contribution through their Foundation, but actually come out to help build a home,” said David L. Hancock, President of the local Habitat Board of Directors. “Habitat would not exist without its volunteers and the support of our local corporate community.”
Morisset completed 400 hours of sweat equity helping build other Habitat homes, which is part of the Habitat program. She received the home not as a gift, but with a no-interest 30-year loan that she will have to repay.
In order to qualify for the program, homeowners have to have excellent credit, an income between 45 and 60 percent of the area median income, and the ability to pay for their new home.
“I am so excited to own my home finally,” Morisset said. “I actually am looking forward to paying a mortgage instead of paying rent.”
Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, a leading global brewer. The company has a local brewery in James City County.
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is a nonprofit organization serving the communities of Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Williamsburg, York County and Poquoson. The local affiliate has built, renovated and repaired more than 170 homes since its founding in 1985. For more information visit the Habitat website.
