“That one is for me.”

Natasha Velez stifled tears as she accepted congratulations from Bethlehem Housing Authority’s Zulma Rodriquez upon gaining ownership of her new Habitat for Humanity-built home on James Street in South Bethlehem. Rodriquez said she has known Natasha Velez all of Velez’s life and had been best friends with her mother who had died in a car accident. “Thank every one of you that I have met on this journey,” said an emotion choked Velez. “Thanks again for everything.” Monsignor Father Robert Biszek of Holy Infancy Catholic Church prayed for the new home to be “a dwelling of love” then sprinkled holy water on the estimated 20 attendees as they recited “The Lord’s Prayer.” During his short remarks preceding the symbolic baptism, Biszek let Velez’s six-year old daughter Anaya Velez hold the small bottle of holy water who seemed thrilled to do it. Anaya couldn’t have been happier as she watched the congratulatory ceremony. Besides the hugs from her aunts and uncles and other well-wishers, it meant she would have her own bedroom in a brand new house. The pretty blonde child also beamed when presented with a large box of candy from Dot Cressler of Just Born, one of the sponsors. Other well-wishers presented presents, too. Bethlehem Garden Club member Roseanne Cilente gave flowers; Hilda Lauber of the Lehigh Valley Embroidery Club gave a framed memento. Anaya and her mom had worked hard for this day—especially her mom who contributed more than the required 250 hours of “sweat equity” toward the 1,200 square-foot two-story house. Anaya’s father, Rafael Ramirez, was credited by Habitat’s Assistant Construction Manager Joe Polizzotto with putting as many if not more hours of labor into the project. “Her father was here every bit as much as Natasha,” said Polizzotto who was still in his work clothes. He had come from next door where he and his crew are building another home. The joyful scene and the home-cooked food in the kitchen of the new home were proof of the close family relationships found throughout the local Hispanic community. Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley officials, Debrah Cummins, Melissa Lauer, Elise Smolinski and Jehan Moustafa attended the ceremony. Executive Director Cummins said this is the 98th home her organization has built in the community. “This is a hand up not a handout program,” said Cummins. She said recipients of these homes get a zero-percent mortgage for the homes. This particular home has handicap friendly features said Cummins. It was originally designed for a client with a handicap but who was not in the program any more. She said that clients typically don’t get much say in the design of the homes. “We are not custom builders,” said Cummins. “We build safe, decent and affordable homes in Habitat for Humanity’s model. James Street has several homes built by the non-profit organization, but previous construction featured garages which Velez’s home does not have. Cummins said garages are now “too expensive.” She said the design has had to change in order to keep the homes affordable. “We always adapt our design so we can make our homes more affordable.” Velez will still have off-street parking on a concrete parking space in front of the house. Velez, who works for the Easton Water Authority, has been renting an apartment from the Bethlehem Housing Authority but her mortgage payment will be less than what she was paying for rent, according to Cummins. Velez said she first heard of the Habitat for Humanity program via the internet and then connected with the program through the Bethlehem Housing Authority’s Family Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator Mirella Snow. Velez said she will close on the house August 15 and move in around August 17. Damaris Torres, who runs the Senior Center at the Hispanic Center on East 4th Street in Bethlehem, also attended the dedication of the new home. She pointed to a half-built house down the street. “That one is for me,” said Torres who, like Velez, is a single mom.