For years, Jackie Kull watched her rent climb while the dream of owning a home slipped farther out of reach.
“High rent in the city makes it hard for people to even save up to purchase a home,” she said.
But Habitat for Humanity of Berks County made her dream a reality, she said Monday afternoon during a dedication ceremony for two recently built homes in the 400 block of Miltimore Street.
Kull’s home and that of her next-door-neighbor Obal, whose surname was withheld for privacy, are the seventh and eighth completed since August 2023.
New homeowner Jackie Kull thanks those who helped her acquire her home during a Habitat for Humanity house dedication in the 400 block of Miltimore Street on Monday, June 29, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Habitat Berks Executive Director Timothy J. Daley said the project is part of the nonprofit’s ongoing effort to transform the once-blighted stretch into a growing neighborhood of owner-occupied homes.
“I remember starting way up there, and here we are at this end of the block,” Daley told those gathered outside the homes. “Visually the difference and the magnitude of which Habitat has an effect on this community can be seen, and there’s more of that to come.”
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Tim Daley, left, and Obal check the view from Obal’s new home during the organization’s house dedication in the 400 block of Miltimore Street on Monday, June 29, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Daley and Eneida Powell, Habitat Berks’ director of family services, emphasized that Habitat homeowners do not get a handout. They earn the opportunity through months of financial education, volunteer service and sweat equity. And like most other homeowners, they have a mortgage to pay.
“They worked for this,” Powell said. “Nothing was given to them, but now they have a beautiful home that they can call their own.”
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Representing Mayor Eddie Moran, Chief of Staff English Bradley said the houses symbolize much more than new construction.
“They’re not simply houses you’re receiving; they’re homes that already carry your fingerprints, your dreams within the walls,” Bradley said. “Home ownership creates opportunities and offers stability and security. It creates the foundation for families to grow, children to thrive.”
Reading City Council President Donna Reed likened the ceremony to themes from the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” saying homeownership allows families to build their own futures. She presented each family with traditional housewarming gifts seen in the movie: bread, wine and salt, representing a wish for abundance, joy and a flavorful life.
Reading City Council President Donna Reed and Councilman Chris Miller present new homeowner Obal with gifts during a Habitat for Humanity house dedication in the 400 block of Miltimore Street on Monday, June 29, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Habitat board member and Dr. Khalid Mumin, Reading School District superintendent, welcomed the families to the city and school district.
“You are symbolic of what we want our students to be able to have access to, to be able to achieve, to be able to dream,” Mumin said. “To be able to be homeowners is just so exciting.”
Following a blessing and ceremonial presentation of the keys, the families received gift cards from Habitat supporters.
Kull, who moved into her home about six months ago, said Habitat’s program made possible what had seemed out of reach.
“I could not be more blessed,” she said. “I just want to say thank you to Habitat for Humanity for making this dream come true of me being a homeowner, because it is very hard nowadays to accomplish that goal.”