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The result of that meeting was Balium becoming a first-time home owner in 1997 despite her low income, a home she just paid off in February.
She is just one of many success stories authored by the Fuller Center’s non-profit Christian ministry, stories which will be celebrated at its annual Spring Celebration dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. April 29 at the Clark County Fairgrounds.
The Fuller Center’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing and poverty with the building or remodeling of homes in low-income neighborhoods, using mostly volunteer labor and donated or discounted materials, then qualifying low-income families for zero-interest loans on no-profit houses so that they can realize their dream of home ownership.
“I never gave up. I knew I would own a home somehow,” said Balium, now 68 years old. “I also believed in the Lord. He kind of gave me a head’s up that I would get a home one day. I just stuck with it and waited on His timing. He delivered, and He is still watching over me.”
It may not have seemed that way back then. But then again, she and her family were not injured when the house she was renting on Miller Street burned to the ground. Homeless and living with her daughter, the answer just popped up right in front of her eyes one day.
“I saw a billboard about Habitat, so I looked into what it would take to get a home,” Balium said.
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The next thing she knew, she was helping to build her own home and others as part of the “sweat equity” all families do before moving into their home.
“I was mechanically inclined, more than most ladies, and that helped,” she said. “I helped do two homes on Light Street, a home on Fair Street, and another couple of homes on the north side. I helped build other homes, then helped build mine.”
She enjoyed working other people, so much so that she continued to volunteer long after her sweat equity hours were finished. Learning the ins and outs of home repairs has helped her as a home owner, she said.
“I always believed there is value in a home, and in owning your own place,” said Balium.
She also became an example for others to follow.
“If they know you did it, someone else might try,” she said. “They don’t see themselves as builders. But you don’t necessarily have to swing a hammer to do your sweat equity.”
It also allowed Balium to build her nest egg with the fundamental building block — real estate that only appreciates in value.
“I never really wanted that much,” she said. “I loved the (low) mortgage payments. For me, it made it easier to pay for it. Some of the rents are outrageous. And then you have to pay utilities, trash. I always felt that whatever you could do would help you in the long run.”
And it has. Originally, her zero-interest loan was for 30 years, but she paid it off in 20. And she did it while being on a fixed income all the way through.
Now Balium has something to say to those who have given up on the idea of being a home owner.
“I would tell them to check it out; it may just be what they are looking for,” she said. “For me, payments were easier. They work with you to help you to qualify. The people who built it were serious about, they didn’t do any half-jobs. They built good homes.”
And she is now the proud outright owner of one of those homes.
“It feels real good,” said Balium. “Now I’m looking for the next adventure, which might be a garage.”
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Fuller Center for Housing homeowner or supporting the non-profit ministry, call (937) 325-2514.
Kermit Rowe is the executive director of the Clark County Fuller Center for Housing.
HOW TO GO
What: The Clark County Fuller Center for Housing's 2017 Spring Celebration.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 29.
Where: Champions Center at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 4122 Laybourne Rd. in Springfield.
More info: Admission is $15, and RSVPs can be made at http://tinyurl.com/k4mxlhr (EventBrite) or by calling (937) 325-2514. Music is by local band 9-Volt, with opening act Bubba and the Gumps.
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