From the very first build day, each Habitat home is filled with love, as the community comes together to pour their support, laughter, and joy into their work. In July, Jennifer and her family accepted the keys to their future surrounded by many friends and family members.
“I definitely was anxious about this whole process when I first applied to partner with Habitat,” Jennifer shared. “I thought I would do this two years ago, but I didn’t know if I was going to be ready for home ownership. I’m so used to doing everything on my own and not reaching out to people. I can’t believe how many people came out and volunteered with me. It taught me to not be afraid to ask for help.”
Muncie Habitat for Humanity partners with local families, like Jennifer’s, who are interested in purchasing a home with a no-profit, no-interest mortgage. Jennifer has been working towards her dream of homeownership with Habitat for months – completing education courses, fulfilling hundreds of sweat-equity hours and financially preparing for homeownership
“I’ve always rented and been able to rely on a maintenance guy if something happened,” she shared. “But as nice as that is, I paid every month towards rent and I thought, ‘I should be spending this towards my own home.’ When I got approved to partner with Habitat was the happiest day of my life. I am now so ready!”
Each Habitat home is a collaboration of volunteers contributing hundreds of labor hours, visionary donors providing essential funds, and our partner families. This home is also special because it was the 2020 Women Build home. Teams of 10 women worked beside Jennifer to raise not only the roof, but also just shy of $36,000 towards this home!
“Being on the job site, I’m meeting different people and talking with other people who come from different backgrounds and occupations than mine,” Jennifer shared. “When we talk, I always see the things we have in common makes it easier to connect with others. When I had to talk at the Women Build kick-off event, I was so nervous to speak but I got over my fear and really enjoyed working with the ladies.”
In addition to the usual dedication was the bookcase filled with books, family activities and games donated by Friends of Pat Botts. “Family time and education in the safety and comfort of our homes was important to one of Habitat’s strongest advocates, and leaders, Pat Botts”, explained the letter presented to Jennifer’s family from The Muncie, Indiana Friends of Pat Botts. Botts served as a board member for Habitat Muncie for many years and is remembered as a strong ally in providing affordable housing opportunities for local families.
Since Muncie Habitat’s inception in 1986, more than 250 families have been provided with new and improved housing opportunities. When asked what advice Jennifer would give to anyone thinking of partnering with Habitat, she shared, “Go with what is in your heart and do what you want to do and don’t let fear keep you from doing things. Sometimes we don’t give ourselves credit for what we can do. I want to go back to school, and for a long time I would get negative thoughts in my head and telling myself I can’t do it. Moving into my home will allow me to cut down my work hours and still be able to afford going back to school and to focus on schooling and spending more time with family.”
Anyone who would like to become involved with Muncie Habitat, is encouraged to reach out at info@munciehabitat.org! The organization is always looking for new volunteers, partner families, and ways to put generous funds into action for local families. ️
