Habitat for Humanity of Dane County to Hold 3 Housing Blessings on Nov. 17; 5 Families will Celebrate the Holidays in their Home

November 17, 2007

Media Advisory

Saturday, Nov. 17
11 a.m., 230 Sweet Grass Dr., Sun Prairie, Ellis, Perfetti-Sanchez and Thomas/Correa-Lara Family Homes (Thrivent Financial House Sponsor)
2 p.m., 4831 Freese Lane, Twin Oaks, Madison, Gemado/Ereso Family (Christ Presbyterian Church House Sponsor)
3 p.m., 4835 Freese Lane, Twin Oaks, Madison, Vue/Vang Family (Thrivent Financial House Sponsor)

Contact: Cheryl McCollum, cmccollum@habitatdane.org, 255-1549, ext. 114.

(MADISON, WI) – Five Dane County families will celebrate the holidays in their new home thanks to the generosity of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County volunteers and donors including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Christ Presbyterian Church.

The homes, includes a triplex in Sun Prairie, will be blessed on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Family Information: Sun Prairie Triplex:
Alejandra Perfetti was born in Columbia, South America. She speaks Spanish and she says she is “learning English every day.” Alejandra’s son, Ethan, attends Sacred Hearts Catholic School in Sun Prairie. She works at Hy Cite Corp. “I have passed a very difficult time in my life and Ethan and I feel very blessed by God and Jesus to be part of the Habitat program,” Alejandra said. “I really believe in ‘milagros’ with faith and good heart.”

Amy Ellis has two daughters and currently lives in Sun Prairie, so her girls will not need to switch schools. She works as an assistant director at Teddy’s Place Child Care in Sun Prairie. “I never thought that owning a home would be a possibility for my family,” Amy said. “My girls are hoping to own a dog some day, which now is possible.”

Katie Thomas and Jorge Correa-Lara have two children, including a daughter born in September. Jorge was born in Mexico City and moved to Madison five years ago from Chicago. He works for Genesis Painting and plays in a local soccer league. Katie works part-time as a Customer Service Rep at Wisconsin Physicians Services and as a server at the Crown Plaza Hotel. She is a senior at the UW-Madison studying communication arts. “We would like to thank everyone involved for giving our children a safe place to grow up,” Katie said. “God Bless you for your dedication and generosity. We cannot wait to get to know our new neighbors and the Sun Prairie community!!”

The triplex is sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Family Information, Twin Oaks Subdivision, Madison
Shiferaw Gemado and his family came to the United States from Ethiopia as refugees on Dec. 1, 2003. They were looking “for a better life” in this country. They moved to Madison in January, 2004 to be near relatives. “When we first came here our family really struggled with the language and work experience,” said Gemado. “We all work very hard to overcome these problems because we want to build our life in the standard society in the country.” His family includes his wife, Bashula Ereso, and their three children, Wayu, Hawi and Daniel.

The Vue and Vang family includes Juliana Vue and her six children. Four of her children live with her now. Juliana is grateful for the experience to build her home with Habitat. “We are very thankful because you are all making our dream, of owning a home, come true,” she said.

The Vue/Vang family home is sponsored by Thrivent Financial and the Gemado/Ereso family home is sponsored by Christ Presbyterian Church.


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Habitat for Humanity of Dane County provides simple, decent, affordable housing for families who might not otherwise become homeowners. Eligible families pay monthly mortgage payments on a 0% interest loan, and contribute 350 hours of sweat equity in the building of their homes and an additional 50 hours helping other Habitat homeowners build their homes. More than 100 families currently live in Habitat homes in Dane County. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, call 608-255-1549 or visit www.habitatdane.org.

Directions to Sun Prairie
Take 1-90 toward Milwaukee, take Country Road N (exit 244) and go left toward Sun Prairie, at the N and Highway 19 intersection, go right on Highway 19 and then take the second right on Musket Ridge to a right on Sweet Grass.

Directions to Twin Oaks
Take Highway 51 heading South toward McFarland; exit on Siggelkow Road; turn left on Siggelkow Road; go exactly ½ mile; turn left onto Freese Lane; the homes are the first two homes located on the right hand side.