Determination brings hope: a new home in Ohio

In summer 2024, John Henry and Judith Yoder of Lakeville, Ohio lost their home in a house fire. The family contacted Gid Yoder from Disaster Aid Ohio asking if they might consider building a house for someone who did not attend church. Gid provided some Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) house plan options and the Yoder’s daughters chose a two-bedroom, one bath plan. Although the Yoders had insurance, it wasn’t enough to replace the home.  The Yoder’s transferred insurance settlement monies and personal money they raised, to Disaster Aid Ohio to help in funding materials for the new house.

In October 2024 site preparation began, and a foundation/slab was soon in place. Unfortunately, after the house was started, Disaster Aid became very busy with projects in Ironton, La, Point Aux Chenes, La., bridges in western North Carolina, and a couple additional local projects. Volunteer contractors who had agreed to assist in the construction were too busy to keep working on the Yoder house and the project stalled. Finally in summer and fall of 2025 a push was made, and the house was completed.  Final inspection was in early October, and a house dedication was held on Oct. 8. Disaster Aid Ohio leadership and volunteers, and the Eastern Ohio/Northwest Pennsylvania MDS Unit joined the family for a time of introductions, litany, songs, prayer, refreshments, and a house tour.  John Henry was also presented a wall hanging and a Bible by Disaster Aid volunteers.

In addition to the money from the Yoders, cabinets were furnished by the Kansas Cabinet Shop, many contractors donated their time and/or materials, and volunteers did the flooring, painting, trim work, and cleaning. The estimated value of donated materials and labor was $75,000. When the project was completed and all costs accounted for, there was approximately $28,000 left for the Yoders to use to furnish the house.

The family is planning to build a mud room to the west of the house connected through the existing side door.  This will be especially useful as both John Henry and Judith are employed at a local farm.  That addition will allow them to leave boots and farm clothing there, when they return home from work.

The Yoder’s expressed their thanks to Disaster Aid and MDS for the volunteer work that is bringing them into a new home.

Bruce Kindy is chair of the Eastern Ohio/Northwest Pennsylvania MDS Unit.