"There's no such thing as disaster, just a bigger challenge," said Dave Guttman, construction manager.
That same storm left construction supervisor John White's wife and two young children without electricity for two days at their home in Anne Arundel County. Even with those problems, he vowed to repeat the blitz next year.
What was a vacant lot on the morning of June 2, a Monday, became the site of a ribbon-cutting ceremony by 11 a.m. June 6. All three homes had passed final inspections and received occupancy permits the same morning.
"It was just amazing to see it all work," said Denise Brooks, whose sister, Candice Brooks, will soon settle on the four-bedroom model. "I drove by at 9 a.m. Tuesday, and they had the first level up. When I came by at noon, they were working on the second story."
To qualify for Habitat's programs, families must meet income requirements, have good credit and the ability to pay low-interest mortgages.
"I have been doing a lot of shopping for this house, but not so much buying," said Denise Smith-Williams, a 37-year-old nursing assistant at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. "I keep reminding myself that I will have a mortgage now. Besides, everything I need is right here."
Except for the red paint Justin wants for his bedroom, she said.
The families all must contribute "sweat equity," a component that requires participants to devote 400 hours to Habitat projects, excluding their homes.
"That was long and tiring work, but look at what we get in the end," said Dunker, 40, who works for an exterminating company.
During the ceremony, Candice Brooks thanked her son George for all his handyman efforts.
"George did most of the sweat equity for me," said Brooks, a nursing home dietary aide. "I have my first home, my first real house. I picked out my own colors, cabinets and tile."
Nichole Keys, who moved into a Pulte-built Habitat home in Aberdeen last year, told Brooks, "You will love your house. I feel so safe in mine."
Arlen Janet, vice president of Pulte, said the families have all earned the American dream of a home.
"The idea is to give back to the community in good times and bad," Janet said.
mary.gail.hare@baltsun.com
