BOONE, Iowa—Embracing the happily-ever-after when exchanging their vows of commitment, newlyweds David Smelcer and Melessa Miller felt prepared for anything life would throw their way. True to their convictions, they have remained happy even in the face of some tough circumstances in their life together.
First came now fifteen-year-old son, Mason, born with Cystic Fibrosis, a rare genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. His care will be lifelong.
David and Melessa’s second son, Jaxson, now two, was also born with Cystic Fibrosis and struggles much the way his older brother did in his early years.
Along the way, Melessa’s sister and her husband perished in a tragic car accident near Sioux City, leaving three-year-old daughter, Addison, without parents. That was seven years ago, but rather than let her go into foster care, David and Melessa opened their arms and their hearts to a beautiful young girl who is today an active ten-year-old.
Tough, very tough circumstances to be sure. And yet the entire family of five remains ever-happy and thankful for each new dawning day. They are a shining lesson to the rest of us who might think we’re having a bad day.
Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the selection of the David Smelcer and Melessa Miller family as partners for the next Habitat home. It will be constructed at 1409 Marshall Street in Boone starting next April, with keys handed over to the family in the fall of 2020.
David is a fabricator and welder at Mid-States Steel in Boone, while Melessa is currently unable to work outside of the home in order to provide critical care and support to young Jaxson as well as Mason. Both boys make regular treks to Iowa City for treatment, and special at-home care is a constant.
Mason is an engaged and active student at Boone High School and Addison will be a fifth-grader this coming fall.
As with all partner families, the Smelcer-Miller family has agreed to significant obligations upon acceptance into the Habitat for Humanity program. Along with family and friends who can contribute on their behalf, the family must complete 450 hours of sweat equity working alongside volunteers in building their home. They must also complete a series of homeowner education classes.
When the home is completed, the family will begin a 30-year mortgage with Habitat for Humanity, repaying the cost of materials and subcontracted services used in building their home. Financed at zero-percent interest, Habitat will collect a monthly mortgage payment that also includes escrow for property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums. The net monthly payment is estimated to be in the range of an affordable $600 per month. A significant second lien will also be in place on the home for ten years to discourage short-term profiteering.
The family currently lives in an older 3-bedroom rental home with a growing black mold issue, very unfavorable conditions for Mason and Jaxson living with Cystic Fibrosis. High energy costs and potential sale of the home by the out-of-town owner adds to their uncertainty. An efficient Habitat home built to the family’s size and health needs will provide stability the family has only been able to dream of.
David, Melessa, Mason, Addison and Jaxson have experienced difficult challenges most will thankfully never have to endure, and yet they are some of the happiest people you will have the pleasure to meet. They are forever thankful for each other and for those who will help them to attain the safety, improved health and security of their new Habitat for Humanity home. Coming to Boone in 2020.
The Smelcer-Miller family has been selected as the Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity partner family for the new home to be built in Boone County in 2020.
