KALIDA — One late-night decision in 2014 led to an extraordinary series of events for the Howell family.
Marc and Andrea Howell were married in 1998 and welcomed their son, Jacob, into the world four years later. However, it soon became clear that Jacob was having difficulties, which led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
“He’s non-verbal and not able to bear weight,” Andrea Howell said. “He’s had four hip surgeries.”
For 11 years, the Howells, along with Jacob, 13, and their daughter, Jorja, 7, have lived in a house in Kalida that is more than 100 years old and not conducive to taking care of a young man confined to a wheelchair.
“We had to modify it with ramps,” Andrea Howell said. “I couldn’t even take his wheelchair into his bedroom because of the doorway. Twice, he had a cast that went from his ribs down his legs, which were set apart with a bar in the middle. I had to pick him up and turn him sideways to get him through the doorway.”
For the past five years, Marc Howell, a plumber with Knueve and Sons Plumbing and Heating, helped install plumbing in the seven prior homes constructed by Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, so the family was very familiar with Habitat.
“We heard through the grapevine that they didn’t have anybody for their eighth house,” Andrea Howell said. “So, one night while I was in bed, I got on my phone and looked it up. I don’t like to ask for help, but he’s not getting any smaller.”
After several screenings, including credit and background checks, the Howells were selected in December, with the house built across the street from their Plum Street residence. The project broke ground the end of April. Despite heavy June rains, the house came together very quickly, with a dedication ceremony held Sunday.
The house was built with Jacob’s needs in mind, complete with a $11,000 hoist system in his room that can help him stand as well as carry him to the bathroom, complete with a large shower area and a therapeutic bathtub. The hoist was procured thanks to grant money secured from the Putnam County commissioners.
“With the wider hallways and the bigger doors, he can get in and out better,” Andrea Howell said. “There are no bumps clear from the sidewalks to the front porch to the garage.”
For Marc Howell, who installed all the plumbing in his new house, having Habitat helping his family after working with them multiple times to help others was surreal.
“It’s been different,” he said. “It’s like paying it forward.”
With the house built to the latest environmental standards and devoid of several potentially harmful chemicals, Putnam County Habitat for Humanity volunteer executive director Chas Myers is confident this house will help the family stay healthy.
“This is more than building houses,” he said. “This is changing lives.”
The Howells will sign ownership papers Thursday and begin to move in Friday.
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