Habitat for Humanity celebrates two Copper Country families

Copper Country Habitat for Humanity held two events to celebrate the beginning and ending of the journey for two local families.

Their first ever Mortgage Burning Ceremony took place on Saturday in South Range and Steve Fish figuratively burned his mortgage to celebrate him paying it off completely.  Construction on the house began back in 1997 and Fish has now become an inspiration to many Habitat for Humanity partners, who came to show their support.

“I think he’s (Fish) a little overwhelmed,” Building Committee member Ron Gratz said.  “Seventeen years ago, almost within a week or two of right now, we were here for the groundbreaking.  And fast-forward seventeen years and the house is his.”

There was also a groundbreaking ceremony in Houghton, as Christina Lantto was shown the land where her future home will be built on.

This will be the 23rd new construction project in Houghton County.

And Lantto will be getting a lot of help including from her son, Tyler Olsen.

“I’m very excited for her,” he said.  “I’m very blessed to have a mother like her.  She deserves it.  She works very hard at what she does.  She works two jobs.  She raises four beautiful kids: Jordan, Ashley, Brittany and I.”

The project received help from realtors at the Wickley Agency and the Century 21 North Country Agency, and a loan from Wells Fargo Bank.

Standing among all of her supporters, Lantto could not hold back her emotions and expressed her deep gratitude.

“I feel very blessed that we’re getting a brand new home,” she said.