On February 24th, Ember and a small group of her family and friends gathered together, socially-distanced and wearing masks, inside her newly remodeled home in the heart of the 8twelve area.
Ember and her sister, Autumn celebrate homeownership together!
Along with Ember, her almost two-year-old son Lincoln will be calling this house a home as well. Ember has witnessed firsthand the effects that homeownership with Habitat can have on her family’s life and was excited to join. “I learned about Habitat after my sister, Autumn, became a partner family,” Ember explained. “I helped her with some of her sweat equity hours, and she really encouraged me to try to be in the program myself. I was so happy with her experience that I didn’t hesitate.”
Habitat remodeled this home for Ember, making sure it is energy-efficient and stable.
One of the main reasons families choose to partner with Muncie Habitat is to ensure that their family is living in a safe, comfortable home. Ember has experienced the effects of an inefficient home, and is excited to be in a healthier environment. “The current house that I have rented for seven years has heating in the ceiling and it is always cold in the winter,” she said. “We keep it at 77 degrees but it is so drafty. Right now, electricity is about $150. I’m excited to have an energy efficient house!”
Ember began her homeownership journey when Lincoln was a few months old. He will have the chance to grow up in this home as long as they like.
At the heart of Ember’s homeownership journey is the drive to create a better life for herself and Lincoln. “I have worked with adults at Indiana Mentor for the last seven years,” she explained. “I really enjoy working with them and helping them achieve progress and perform everyday tasks. I would love to continue my education and be a physical therapist assistant. I started my degree, but life happens and it’s hard to save up to go to school. I hope to go back and see what we can do now.”
The excitement of becoming a homeowner and the responsibilities that come with it are exciting challenges for Ember. “The first thing I want to do in my home is go through and pray throughout the house,” she said. “My parents didn’t own a home until last year and I grew up in rentals so, in my previous home I always thought, ‘Why would I want to make it mine?’ I am so excited to make this house feel like home and decorate how I actually like! It is a stable house and beginning for my son and I.”
Ember talks to Jay, Habitat Site Supervisor, about taking care of her new home.
Ember’s journey to homeownership marked personal growth that she is excited to continue on with. “I would love to stress to people that it seems like a daunting process, but I just needed someone to give me a chance,” she explained. “No bank would have looked at me. I have built my credit through the process and it’s increased 100 points. It’s crazy! I wish people understood what a good program this is. It really is a hand up and not a handout. It is so wonderful. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. I know Lincoln can grow up in a safe house.”
Since Muncie Habitat’s inception in 1986, our supporters, volunteers, and partner families have provided new and improved housing options to more than 220 families.
Anyone who would like to become involved with Muncie Habitat is encouraged to reach out at info@munciehabitat.org! We are always looking for new volunteers, partner families, and ways to put generous funds into action for local families. ️
Thank you to all of our 2020 Housing Funders!
Gifts $50,000 and Up
Ball Brothers Foundation
The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County
George and Frances Ball Foundation
Mutual Bank Charitable Foundation
Vectren Foundation
Gifts $10,000 – $49,999
The Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation
Navient Employees
Women Build Teams
Gifts under $10,000
Lowe’s Corporation
Old National Bank Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
