Habitat Restores Home for Kittanning Single Parent

by Jonathan Weaver

While the former Kittanning Senior High School campus has closed along Orr Avenue, another family is making final arrangements to move in across from the school’s former parking lot.

Yesterday evening, Armstrong Habitat for Humanity leaders and volunteers presented the keys to 306 Smith St. to Bobby Fruehstorfer and his six-year-old son, Nicholas.

At first, Bobby said he didn’t know what to make of the two-story, white house.

“Honestly, I didn’t even consider this until (Living Water Church) Pastor Andrew (Laddusaw) brought it to my attention. I never thought it would be possible,” Bobby said. “The number one question I got all the time was ‘Are you excited? Are you excited?’ At first, no,” Bobby said. “It wasn’t until all the floor and stuff got done that it actually looked like a house.

“Now, yes – absolutely.”

Bobby thanked God, Laddusaw, the other Habitat volunteers and his mother, Judy.

Laddusaw, also Habitat for Humanity’s board vice-president, has known Bobby for nearly three years – while he lived in a Ford Cliff apartment.

“I kind-of knew his living situation, not that he was in a horrible situation, but the Smith Street house is kind-of a unique house for Habitat. Normally, we’re dealing with at least a three-bedroom house because a lot of people we’re working with are families,” Laddusaw said. “With Bobby being a single parent, a two-bedroom house is kind-of perfect for him.

“Bobby just came to mind one day, and God worked out the rest.”

Laddusaw said the house was not even completed a week ago.

“It’s been six months of really hard work and a year of waiting,” Laddusaw said. “Our goal is to do a house in Wick City every year, along with all the other stuff we do in Armstrong County.”

Habitat for Humanity’s last new homeowners – Brian and Shannon Atherton – accepted and moved into their Orr Avenue house in February. Despite all the “sweat equity” they put into remodeling their own home, they volunteered at Bobby’s as well.

“It would be easier just to take out a home loan and go buy a house, but this way, you actually appreciate everyone’s time and effort that they put in from, sometimes, complete strangers. You begin to know them and build a relationship with them, Brian said.

“It’s not only what you get, its what you can give also,” Brian said. “It’s not only fixing the lives of people, but it’s also building the community back up to where it was.”

Shannon said she learned a lot of new skills during the “sweat equity” they put into their home and Bobby’s – including drywall, painting and sanding.

“It was an experience,” Shannon said. “I never would’ve thought of using power tools and everything else.”

Along with their seven-year-old daughter Adelynn and two –year-old son Liam, the Athertons will welcome a baby boy this December.

According to Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Michael McElhaney, many hours were also volunteered by Habitat clubs at the University of Pittsburgh and from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

IUP’s club vice-president Nate Harpster - a second-year graduate student studying geography with a concentration in environmental resource planning – joined just a month ago, but was surprised to find out students were diligently helping this Spring, as well as in August/September.

“I was just amazed by the students that wanted to get involved,” Harpster said. “We’re looking forward to doing more work not too far from here.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church Pastor Carl Johnson blessed the new home with prayer and a trio of readings from a Bible that was signed by all in attendance and presented to Bobby.

It was Pastor Johnson’s sixth dedication.
“It’s been a number of years that I’ve been honored to be asked to be a part of Habitat for Humanity. Every home is special because every house is special – it has that potential of becoming a real home for someone and providing good, decent, affordable housing for someone that needs it,” Pastor Johnson said. “I feel very blessed to be a part of this fine organization that works hard to bless others in Jesus’ name.”

Habitat Construction Volunteer Bob Zwier recalled working on the home renovations two years ago whenever a different family was considered for the residence.

“Our job is we make it a house, and now when we turn it over to the family, you got to make it a home,” Zwier said.

“Challenge accepted,” Bobby replied.

1 Comment

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  By Nivasi, October 18, 2016 @ 4:57 PM

  CONGRATS!!

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