Family moves into new home with help from Habitat for Humanity

LEVITTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Robles family entered their new home Tuesday to a round of applause.

Omar Robles, originally from Peru, is moving his family of six from a cramped two-bedroom apartment in Warminster to a three-bedroom home on Mill Drive in Levittown.

"I came here to the United States 20 years ago with 20 dollars in my pocket," said Omar.

Together with his family and some volunteers, Habitat for Humanity remodeled the Robles new home. It took hundreds of hours to make this home happen for the Robles family. They had to pitch in as well.

"It was hard work, but we managed to do it" said Gabriel Robles.

Contractors on staff assisted the volunteers. The organization bought the home, but it needed a lot of TLC.

"This whole back wall had a window that rotted," said Alan Morris, of Habitat for Humanity. "We gutted the entire bathroom with volunteer help."

Florence Kawoczka, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, explains that the house is not exactly free like some might think.

"They can afford to pay a mortgage, they just can't afford enough mortgage to buy a home in Bucks County, said Kawoczka. "They are responsible for the mortgage. They pay taxes on full value of the house and they have the maintenance and everything else that comes with home ownership."

Families that qualify for the Habitat for Humanity program get a zero interest mortgage, but must earn a median family income between 40 and 80 percent.

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