Being a single mom with two girls I never really thought that owning my own home would ever be possible. Having only one income as a single parent makes it almost impossible to own your own home in Central Oregon or anywhere for that matter. I couldn�t afford a mortgage plus everything else the girls and I needed monthly, rent was hard enough. I had accepted that I would be just another single mom trying to make ends meet and just get by. But I always dreamed of what it would be like to have a place to call my own.

I remember hearing about Habitat for Humanity through conversation but I felt that I, myself, would not qualify or that Habitat probably isn�t for someone like me. Admittedly, I really didn�t know much about the program. The idea was always in the back of my mind. I finally decided I would call Habitat and get some more information about their program. I attended the orientation and after learning about the program I had hope that this may work for me. There were many families at the orientation and very few houses that they were choosing families for, this worried me but I knew I needed to do what ever was asked of me in order to be chosen. There was a lot of paper work and things to get in order to complete the application but I was determined. I knew the time that was needed to get this info would weed out the less serious. I knew that in the long run this was just a stepping-stone to being a homeowner. After I turned in my completed application I immediately started taking the classes needed if I was to be selected. I wanted to show that I was serious and I knew I would need these classes anyway if I were selected. After what seemed like forever I received a call that changed my life. I had been selected to receive a Habitat home.

The whole process took a ton of time, dedication and hard work but I knew I was up for it. The house is just not handed to us. I was out there helping build my own home, which makes my home even more rewarding. I was so thrilled to be a part of my dream. I learned so much about what goes into building a home and all the steps it takes to put a home together. Since moving into my home I now have a sense of security that I never thought I would have. I no longer have to worry about how to provide a decent, safe place for my girls to live. My girls and I have stability and the comfort of having our own home. I myself am less stressed which naturally lessens my girls� stress. They wake up everyday to familiar surroundings and know that the friends they have made through this process are here to stay. I feel I am truly blessed.

This home build was sponsored by Peterbuilt.