​​“I was living in a small two-bedroom apartment with my four children. The apartment was overcrowded, and the rent was increasing every year. It caused a strain on my finances; most of my monthly income was spent on rent. I was desperate to find a larger affordable home for my family but realized that I wouldn’t be able to purchase the traditional way as mortgages were not affordable. I felt hopeless.” She decided to take a leap of faith and apply for a Habitat home." I was not convinced that Habitat for Humanity was a legitimate organization that partnered with families to build affordable homes. I thought it was too good to be true." However, after attending an orientation and a financial literacy program, her perspective began to shift. "Habitat does not hand people homes; you must be willing to partner with them to help yourself buy a home," she explains. "I had to participate in 400 hours of sweat equity. I helped build affordable housing for other families, particularly on a build site in Bridgeport, PA. I was painting, hanging drywall, and even helped dig a ditch." Now, almost eight years into homeownership, she reflects on the best part: having a stable home for her family. 

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