Nikia High was grateful she was going to be home for the holidays, and for the first time, it would be her own home.
Excitement and anticipation bubbled over inside the newly assembled house in the Scott Park neighborhood of West Toledo as the proud mother gave the wonderful gift of a home to her son just ahead of Christmas Day.
“YAYYY!” were the continued sentiments of Ms. High’s 7-year-old son, Kaivon, as Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity’s leadership declared milestone after milestone for their partnership with Owens Corning during the dedication of the home Tuesday afternoon.
Energetic as always, Kaivon ran to the backyard and played in his toy house after the ceremonies were concluded.
Likewise, Ms. High wasted no time and began unloading her belongings from a U-Haul to begin settling in.
“It feels great,” Ms. High said before the dedication.
“If I could jump over the moon, I would,” she said.
For about 23 months Ms. High’s life has been hectic. Working full time, caring for her son, and putting in sweat equity hours — a requirement for all future homeowners with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity — added up to long days.
“She was resolute, and she knew what she wanted,” said Heidi Glosser, Ms. High’s support partner through Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity.
