Ruth and sons John & Anthony [back]
It has been a dream of Ruth and her family to own their own home. Now, through Habitat for Humanity, they are about to become proud homeowners. Their scheduled dedication date for their home on Concord Street in Hagerstown is the 23rd of November.
“Women’s Build is wonderful, and Habitat is wonderful,” said Ruth. “I’ve always wanted to own my own home. I’ve wanted it really bad. It feels wonderful.”
Born in Frederick, Maryland, Ruth grew up there and graduated from Frederick High School. She was an only child and now has two sons of her own, John Huse, Jr., age 16, and Anthony Huse, age 15. The boys are very excited about their new home as well.
Ruth lived in Frederick before moving with the boys to Hagerstown twelve years ago. They have been living in public housing since then. She and her partner split when she moved to Hagerstown, but they maintained a decent relationship for the boys. Unfortunately, on New Year’s Eve of 2005, the boys’ father was killed in an automobile accident. “This [Habitat] is the most positive thing to have happened to us since his death,” said Tinney.
Ruth works two jobs in order to support herself and her sons. She works as a food service assistant at Bester Elementary in Hagerstown. She has been working there for four years. It is a ten-month position, and she works 27.5 hours a week there. Her second job is at Food Lion, where she has been for two months. She works there 15-20 hours a week. “I love the job. Everybody has friendly faces and nice conversations,” said Tinney. “I’m meeting lots of different people and I’m building my credit up.”Working hard to be a good role model for her kids, Ruth has taught them to see the good in people and to get along with everyone. The boys currently attend Williamsport High School. John, who is in the 11th grade, hopes to get special permission to stay at Williamsport for his senior year. Anthony, who is in the 10th grade at Williamsport, is looking forward to transferring to South High and trying out for the basketball team.
Ruth is working hard to complete her volunteer hours before her dedication date. When she isn’t working or doing her volunteer hours, Ruth will often drive by her new home and peek in the windows. The excitement builds as Ruth and her two sons look forward to being “home for the holidays.”
