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A mother and son from Eudora are becoming first-time homeowners and preparing to move into their newly built net zero energy home.
In the next few weeks, Kathryn Gilmore and her son Liam Gilmore will sign the mortgage for 50 Stephens Road, the 106th home built for a local family through Lawrence Habitat for Humanity.
Atmos Energy Corporation, a gas company based in Olathe, worked with Lawrence Habitat for Humanity along with numerous volunteers.
During the dedication ceremony for the home on Thursday evening, Kathryn became emotional as she recounted the efforts that have been made to make this vision a reality.
“You guys have made this whole process so amazing and easy – and difficult,” Kathryn said. “But we did it and everyone has been amazing throughout. The group of amazing volunteers that come every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and sometimes the other days, you guys are incredible. Without all of you, I wouldn’t have this home. We’re just extremely grateful to have this opportunity.”
The Net Zero Energy (NZE) home is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes within a year, resulting in savings on energy bills and being better for the environment.
It is 1,500 square feet and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a natural gas furnace, a natural gas tankless water heater, air conditioning, solar panels, and other modern amenities.
Kathryn is the sole breadwinner in her family and works as a tiler on a construction crew. With the help of her father, she laid all the tiles in the kitchen, toilets and other areas of the house.
“We’ve had challenges and successes building this home, but at the end of the day, Kathryn will achieve her dream of owning a home and Liam will get his forever home,” said Erika Zimmerman, executive director of Lawrence Habitat for Humanity. “We are so honored and so grateful to be a part of Kathryn’s story. She has faced every single challenge throughout the entire building process, head on and with a smile.”
Before the ribbon cutting at the ceremony on Thursday, the Gilmores were also presented with housewarming gifts and Walmart gift cards. Liam openly admitted that he would most likely spend his gift card on video games.
Painting an accent wall in Liam’s room – the color has yet to be decided – will provide a sense of stability the couple hasn’t experienced in the past five years, Kathryn said. They’ve had to move several times, but after that, Kathryn will only have to paint his room when he decides to make a change.
For more information about ZNE homes, visit the Atmos Energy website at atmosenergy.com/community/ZNE. For more information about Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, visit lawrencehabitat.org.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), stocks reporter, can be reached at [email protected]. Read more about her work for the Times here. Check out her employee bio here.
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