The state director of the USDA visited Tahlequah on December 3 to present a major grant to Tahlequah Area Habitat for Humanity. The organization says the money will help Cherokee County homeowners fix critical home issues that they cant afford on their own.The roof on Jesse OKellys home is in perfect shape right now, but that wasnt the case seven years ago.We had 3 spots on the roof that were leaking literally 6 months after we bought the home it started leaking like it did, said Jesse OKelly.He said the roof repairs were critical for him and his family.They were absolutely necessary because if we werent able to get them fixed in a timely manner then there was a lot more serious situation that could happen, said OKelly. Anything on the inside because of the water weight coming in couldve collapsed the ceiling down. Theres a lot of things that couldve happened if it hadnt of been fixed on time.Thanks to grant money for home repairs from Habitat for Humanity, OKelly was able to get the roof fixed. Hes one of 50 homeowners whove been able to make important home repairs in the last 8 years the non-profit has gotten this grant. This year, Habitat for Humanity received its biggest award ever for home repairs, $173,000.It will stretch over two years and well be able to do so many home repairs here in Cherokee County area, said Linda Cheatham.Linda Cheatham, executive director at the Tahlequah Area Habitat for Humanity, says for homeowners this will help provide important health and safety repairs from roofs and foundation issues to HVAC repairs and even ramps.It makes a world of difference, said Cheatham.Cheatham says there are requirements to receive the money. The project must affect the health and safety of the homeowner. The owner must have owned the property for at least one year. There is also an income requirement, and homeowners will pay back the repairs with an interest free loan over several years.OKelly says the roof repair made a huge difference in his familys life.I couldnt have done it without their help fund wise, said OKelly.Right now, Tahlequah Area Habitat for Humanity has five pending projects for which the money can be used.Theyve also rolled out a Giving Tuesday challenge to help fund other projects for the area. To learn more about the Tahlequah Area Habitat for Humanity and the qualifications of this program visit here or call 918-453-1332Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube