I’m the 2007 Habitat for Humanity home recipient. The day I found out I would be a homeowner was one of the best, but scariest, days of my life. It was scary because I’ve never owned a house before. I was worried that I would not be able to afford or maintain it. I didn’t need to worry because Habitat has training resources and good people that helped me. By the time I received the house I knew I could handle this.
Susan's house in progress
I loved being a part of picking out what kind of house we were going to build. The contractor was very helpful with that and was always there to answer questions. I wanted to be a part of the decisions that had to be made concerning the house. By doing that, it made it a home instead of just a house for my son and me.
The day of groundbreaking was full of excitement. The house was finally getting started after the rainy season. It was a special day with family and friends, but also the Habitat board members’ support meant the world to me.
I couldn’t believe the number of people who came to help work on the house. I knew my friends and family would come to help, but it was the people who I didn’t know who showed up that blew me away. This was a big commitment for them to do for a perfect stranger. By the time the house was finished i got to know the workers. I hope they always know that I will never forget what they have done for my family.
Susan receiving a quilt from the Prairie Piecemakers at her home dedication
The day of dedication, December 22, 2007, was finally here! I couldn’t believe the support that day. The community came out to help Brandon and me. There were 50 plus people in our home. There was a lot of laughing and crying that day. I don’t think words can express how I felt when I received those house keys. After the dedication, we moved in and had our first Christmas there a few days later. This was a gift from God brought to me through Habitat for Humanity. I will never forget the hand up that they gave me, not a hand out. I really believe that the house was supposed to be done right before Christmas because it was my Christmas present from God.
