Homebuyer Stories

How did you learn about the Habitat homeownership program?

I first heard about Habitat for Humanity 7-8 years ago after moving to Alexandria. I was looking for housing resources as I was looking to find a decent place to live. I went online and searched for housing resources in Alexandria and Habitat for Humanity came up.  When I received a phone call from Denise informing me that I had been officially selected to partner with Habitat for Humanity, it took a minute or two to realize that my life was going to change for the better. I was excited, flabbergasted, and I was speechless. When I finally regained my bearings, I called my best friend and shouted the news!

What motivated you to apply?

I wanted to have a place to call my own, where I don’t need to worry about a landlord coming into my home when I’m not there. I live in a neighborhood that has been known as the “bad part of town” and I want to have a safe space for me and my son.

Tell us about your family.

I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist 2 and Mental Health Practitioner. I work with adults who are struggling with their mental health, teach coping skills, and find resources when needed. I provide a place a safety and hope for those that need support.  I am a single mom of a beautiful little boy! We also have a four-year-old boxer named Loki, a guinea pig named Stitch, and two gerbils named Spunky and Spaz. We enjoy being together, playing outside, drawing and painting, playing games, and reading.

What are you looking forward to about owning your own home? How do you think your life will change?

The most exciting part of owning my own home is not wasting money on paying rent and that I can put that money into my own equity and home for the future. I am going to love hosting and having friends come over when I want without the worry of getting a violation from the management company. I am looking forward to the security of owning my own home. Someplace safe for me to relax and live, not just survive. My life has already changed! When we do move in, having a space to make my own will boost my mental health. The home will be more functional than my current living situation, give me a more organized space to thrive in, and I will have the ability to “tinker” in the shop (aka garage) as this is something I enjoy doing.

What would you like to share with people helping to build your home?

I am so very grateful for all the volunteers and people who will be helping to build my home. I never thought that I would be able to own my own home due to the financial strain of being a single mother. Thinking about having someplace safe to call my own brings me to tears because I can see how amazing our family’s future is going to be.

How did you learn about the Habitat homeownership program?

I assisted with a build a few years ago with the Greater Alexandria Area Association of REALTORS® and fell in love with how much it meant to that family -- just the look on their faces said it all of how grateful they were. It was such a positive experience helping others in such a positive environment.

What motivated you to apply?

I have been searching for a house for about a year and nothing was even close to a single mom with three kids on a budget. I felt like I wasn’t able to provide anything more than a small apartment for them, so I started to research other options and remembered the build with Habitat. I told myself, why not? So, I went online and Habitat was graciously accepting applications! There was finally a glimmer of hope as I started the application process.

Tell us about your family.

I work for Douglas County during the week, and part-time at Pike and Pint waitressing and bartending. I have two boys and a girl who are all very outgoing and happy kids. They enjoy a variety of sports, gaming, Cub Scouts, and anything to do with swimming. My oldest son is a natural when it comes to sports, a great big brother, and has just taken up Orchestra playing the violin. My youngest son is a kind, sweet-hearted soul, very easygoing, and looks up to his big brother so much! He is extremely engaged in school – thoroughly enjoying science experiments, loves to learn new skills, is friends with everyone, and will always be the first one to try new things. My daughter is a true warrior! She was born with congenital heart disease which ended up in heart failure and endured so much before her 1st birthday. We almost lost her too many times. After a few surgeries and LVADS, we didn’t know how much longer we had with her so the doctors put her on the heart transplant list. She was BLESSED on January 24, 2020, at just two months old with a new heart. She has been a true fighter since birth and has gained a whole new level of confidence as she travels every six months for check-ups on her heart and other health concerns down to The Mayo in Rochester. That entire continued experience has shaped my children and me in so many ways that we have a new outlook on life, love, and family.

What are you looking forward to about owning your own home? How do you think your life will change?

We cannot wait just to have grass under our feet, eat popsicles outside in the summer, and have a family game night in the living room! The thought of having a house soon brings so much more peace in our lives knowing we will now have a permanent foundation and a place to call home. The weight will be lifted off of our shoulders, as we now will have OUR own place. We are all very blessed and will continue to give back to this amazing community as it has helped us so much already.

What would you like to share with people helping to build your home?

We are extremely blessed to have so many amazing people helping us. From every nail to every ounce of sweat we will forever be grateful to each and every one of you and we never forget this entire experience as it will give my children and myself an actual home, that has enough bedrooms for us and space to run outside.