Man with cerebral palsy gets new Habitat home in Killeen – Temple Daily Telegram

KILLEEN Andy Diluzio was at Extraco Bank in Temple in July 2015 when the United Way of Central Texas unveiled the SOAR program.

SOAR Savings Opportunities, Assets, Results collaboration promotes self sufficiency through incentivized savings and financial literacy. SOAR accounts can be used for the purchase of a home, to pay for post secondary education or jobs skill training.

Diluzio began saving for a home in 2012 and was working with Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity completing all of its requirements of those wanting to become a home owner.

Diluzio, 52, has cerebral palsy and is using his wheelchair more now because when he walks or is on his feet for very long he becomes tired.

Growing up, Diluzio didnt get off easy because of his disability. When his family relocated to Killeen, his stepfather bought the four boys lawnmowers.

He told us, If you want money, go out and earn it, Diluzio said. I made more money than the rest of them. They see me walking up, they couldnt turn me away.

Diluzio considers himself lucky. He was able to ride a motorcycle for about 10 years and drove a standard. Hes remained independent.

This house means freedom, Diluzio said.

He had been living in a mobile home on property he owns outside the Killeen city limits. The home was not wheelchair accessible.

Even if I could have built a ramp up to the door, I wouldnt have been able to maneuver through the home, he said. I could have gotten into the living room and then Id be stuck.

Diluzios new home is wide open with no walls between the living room and the kitchen.

The peep hole at the front door is eye level for someone sitting in a wheelchair. The light switches are lowered and the electrical outlets are raised.

The controls of the oven and stove are on a front panel within easy reach. Shelving in overhead cabinets are hinged and easily can be lowered, putting items within easy reach.

When he needs to, Diluzio will be able to adjust the cabinets directly under the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom enabling him to roll his wheelchair closer.

The hallways and doors are wider than is usual and his shower is oversized, with a bench and no step up to enter.

Because hes not so tired in the evening from walking around his home, Diluzio will occasionally go out instead of sitting at home.

Last night I attended a function at the American Legion, when normally I would have just stayed at home, he said.

His new home is quieter and the utility costs are much lower.

When his home was built, Habitat for Humanity had plans to pour a small slab at the back door. Diluzio paid extra to have a large patio poured that extends to the driveway.

He wants to put up a carport and a covering over the patio.

My mother told me I needed to plant a tree, now, he said.

A Habitat house is being built next door for a woman with three children.

Partners in the SOAR collaboration are United Way of Central Texas, Extraco Banks, Central Texas Housing Consortium, Helping Hands Ministry, Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, the city of Temple, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Neighbor Works.

Those saving for a down payment on a home get a $2 match for each dollar they save, up to a $2,000 savings goal. The participants contributions have to come from earned income.

Habitat for Humanity provided the local match toward Diluzios SOAR savings account and United Way of Central Texas provided the federal match from the Assets for Independence Program.

Two weeks after Diluzio opened his SOAR account he had completed all the requirements and had the certifications, said Aly McMillan, director of community impact with the United Way.

He had been saving for awhile and his account has been dormant as we waited for a house, McMillan said.

Diluzio began saving for a home in 2012 and was ready to go when the program was announced. He works part time for the American Legion in Harker Heights taking care of its finances.

Sweat equity is required for participants in the Habitat for Humanity program, with families proving free labor as homes are built for other individuals.

Diluzios contribution was programming the computer system in the Habitat office.

Enrollment in the SOAR program is ongoing. For information, call 254-778-8616.

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Man with cerebral palsy gets new Habitat home in Killeen - Temple Daily Telegram