OXFORD – Chenango County Habitat for Humanity (CCHH) is starting off 2012 with some big announcements: they have a new partnering family who are big racing fans, they have a building site location, and they’ve rolled out plans for their first ever “Souper Bowl” soup fundraiser at the end of March. It sounds like they’re on the fast track to success!

Meet Lorraine Cornish; a stock car racing fan and a hard working single mother of two sons, who lives in West Bainbridge. She enjoys her job in food service at the Guilford Elementary school, but it’s a limited income. Lorraine never thought she could ever afford a house on her own… especially since one of her sons, Garrett, is special needs. Never-the-less, home-ownership has been her dream, and with volunteer help from Habitat, it will soon become a reality.

Lorraine was encouraged to apply for a CCHH home by her former boss, Kathy Benedict Knudsen and Garrett’s teacher, Norma Kinney, both who happen to be with Habitat. In time, Lorraine’s application was accepted by the selection committee based on their level of need, willingness to partner, acceptance of responsibilities, and ability to repay a no-interest mortgage.

Aside from accessibility needs, Lorraine said, “I just want four walls I can call mine!”