Laicey Everett lights fire to her mortgage while Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Pam Kensler, happily watches. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

FREMONT – On Sept. 16, 2008, Laicey Everett signed a 20-year mortgage on a Habitat for Humanity home north of Fremont. She was excited to begin a new life with her three sons in their new home located a short walk from the Sandusky River. This year, Laicey paid off the mortgage early, and on Sept. 19, she celebrated with a mortgage burning ceremony hosted by Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity outside of First Presbyterian Church in Fremont.

For Laicey, paying off her mortgage meant more than just owning a house. The flames that burned the papers also destroyed her longtime fears of losing the home. It was the last place her sons, seven-year-old Da’Vontae and eight-year-old Jay’Den Everett, lived before they perished after falling through the ice on the Sandusky River on Jan. 24, 2010, while bravely trying to save their friend, ten-year-old Rafael Villanueva, who also drowned.

Habitat homeowner, Laicey Everett, stands with former Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Donna Thatcher, left, and current Executive Director Pam Kensler. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Laicey worked hard to pay off her mortgage early so she could be sure she could remain in the home.

“When we moved in, it was lovely,” Laicey said. “This was my kids’ house. That’s why I wanted to buy it.”

Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Pam Kensler, hosted the mortgage burning. Kensler has been the director for about five years, so she hasn’t had the opportunity to be a part of many mortgage burnings, especially one this special.

Laicey Everett, left, adds more flame to her mortgage with the help of Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Pam Kensler. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“Seventeen years ago this week, you started this journey,” Kensler told Laicey at the ceremony. “The story and the journey starts, but it never really ends.”

Donna Thatcher was the director when Laicey signed her mortgage 17 years ago, and she was there to watch her burn it on Sept. 19. There is sometimes a misconception in the public that Habitat homes are free. They are not. Laicey, like all Habitat homeowners, had to buy her house.

“Laicey was such a wonderful Habitat partner. She took this very seriously. She’s ahead of her 20-year mortgage,” Thatcher said. “We are just thrilled to be a part of her journey.”

When Laicey Everett’s mortgage burned, it also destroyed her fears of ever losing the home. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Laicey is grateful for the many people who helped her become a homeowner.

“I want to thank Donna. She really helped me out,” Laicey said. “I thank everyone for helping me get my home.”

Now that her mortgage is paid, Laicey can rest in the fact that the home is truly hers. Within its walls, Da’Vontae and Jay’Den are forever young, forever loved.