Emily & family

“We all have dreams for ourselves, one of my dreams was to own a home and live on my own.”

Emily knows what it’s like to grow up without the stability of a home. Growing up with a single mother who struggled financially meant that they was always moving around between different family members. This experience led to a craving for stability and for a place of her own to call home. As a single mother today, Emily wanted something different for herself and her son. “Growing up, I always wanted the stability of a home. My hope and dream is to give my son a better life. I don’t want him to grow up stressing about finances or having to move around a lot like I did.”

Emily and her son lived with family until about a year ago when she moved out due to overcrowding and feeling ready to find a place for her and her son to make their own. She applied for a mortgage but was denied, so they found a one-bedroom apartment, where her son’s bed is set up in the living room. She felt stuck and unable to afford the two-bedroom apartment they will need when her son gets older but worked hard to create a home and space for the two of them despite the obstacles.

She shared with her pastor at Cornerstone Tabernacle about her desire to own a home, and he told her about Lakeshore Habitat’s Homeownership Program. She applied, hopeful but sure she would not be approved. After going through the application process, she was overjoyed and in shock when she received the call that she would be a Lakeshore Habitat Homeowner. “I’m still in shock, it feels surreal! It probably won’t hit me until we’re in the home.”

“I hope my home is a safe place for me and my son, full of love and stability. I am blessed and so grateful to Lakeshore Habitat for making my dream come true.”