A Christmas Heart Warmer

It's possibly the best Christmas gift this family could have ever received - a new home, at their long time address of 1887 Mulberry Street in Goshen Township.

Now, thanks to more than 30 businesses and 5 local churches the Farquer family has received their Christmas wish a little early. Their new home was dedicated to them on Sunday (December 7, 2008), but that's not to say this wasn't a gift they didn't have to wait for. Dave and Jeanette Farquer have been waiting on this new home to be ready for them for 8 years and 11 months.

Back in 2000, Ron Kirby was working with Dave, a Vietnam veteran, in a volunteer food bank. Their relationship changed though when Ron found himself delivering food to Dave one night. Ron said he was shocked to see how his friend was living.

"The house was built in the 1880's and was crumbling around them," Kirby said, "I felt burdened by God to build them a house."

Kirby talks about the old home having nothing more than a piece of plywood to serve as a door, a situation that lead to the frequent problem of raccoons breaking into and often staying in the home. As the new house was dedicated on Sunday, Kirby said, "Hope has been given to a family because of a community. They don't have to worry about raccoons in their home anymore." To which Jeanette responded loudly, "But I miss 'em, Ron!"

8 months ago, Dave fell and hit his head causing bleeding around his brain. A hole had to be bore into his skull to remove the blood and alleviate the pressure. The operation forced Dave to be temporarily placed in Venetian Gardens, a local nursing home. Plans on the house had to dramatically change at that point so that a now wheelchair bound Dave could live in the home. The foundation had to be changed from crawlspace to slab to avoid stairs. The doors all were widened, and the bathroom was made handicap accessible. At the end of plan renovations however, the home is fully handicap accessible, and Dave will be able to live here.

The long project required two special variances be approved by the Goshen Township Zoning Commission. One was required in order for the family to continue living in their current house while the new one was being built, since in the Township there is a limit of one house per lot. The other was required since the new home is only about 960 square feet, and the Township minimum is 1200 square feet.

Jeanette says the one thing she still wanted for Christmas was a family bible. On Sunday Construction Supervisor Joe Luster granted that wish as well, presenting a bible to a tearful Jeanette. She says what she's most looking forward to in her new home, is being able to watch it snow from her beautiful bay window.

Back to News Main