A Eudora mother and son are set to become first-time homeowners as they prepare to move into their newly built zero net energy house.
Within the next few weeks, Kathryn Gilmore and her son, Liam, will be signing the mortgage agreement for the 106th home built for a local family through Lawrence Habitat for Humanity.
Atmos Energy Corporation, a gas company based in Olathe, collaborated with Lawrence Habitat for Humanity in addition to a multitude of volunteers.
During a dedication ceremony for the home Thursday evening, Kathryn became emotional as she recounted the effort poured into making the vision a reality.
“This whole process, you guys have made so great and easy — and hard,” Kathryn said. “But we’ve dealt with it, and everybody has been great along the way. The group of amazing volunteers that come every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and sometimes on the other days as well, you guys are amazing. I wouldn’t have this home if it wasn’t for you all. We’re just extremely grateful to have this opportunity.”
The zero net energy (ZNE) home is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes within a year, resulting in money saved on energy bills and better outcomes for the environment.
It’s 1,542 square feet with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a natural gas furnace, a natural gas tankless water heater, an air conditioning system, solar installations and other updated features.
Kathryn is the sole provider for her family and works as a construction team tile setter. Using her skills, she completed all the tiling that’s in the kitchen, restrooms and other areas of the home, with the help of her father.
“We’ve had challenges and triumphs while building this house, but at the end of the day, Kathryn will get to realize her dream of becoming a homeowner, and Liam will get his forever home,” said Erika Zimmerman, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity executive director. “We are so honored and grateful to be a part of Kathryn’s story. She’s met every single challenge throughout the build process, straight on and with a smile.”
Before doing a ribbon cutting at the ceremony Thursday, the Gilmores were also presented with housewarming gifts and Walmart gift cards. Candidly, Liam admitted he’d most likely be putting his gift card toward video games.
Painting an accent wall — the color to be determined — in Liam’s room will represent a sense of stability that the pair hasn’t experienced over the last five years, Kathryn said. They’ve had to move several times, but after this, Kathryn will only have to paint his room if he chooses a change.
To learn more about ZNE homes, visit Atmos Energy’s website, via atmosenergy.com/community/ZNE. For more information about Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, visit its website, lawrencehabitat.org.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
