Building Dreams Breaking Barriers: Charmeigne’s Homeownership Journey

What does “home” mean to you? For some, home is comfy pjs and favorite movies, for others, it is the kitchen table around which we share meals with friends and family. It’s a safe place where we are free to be ourselves, where we can unwind from a long day, where we can relax in comfort. For many, the dream of homeownership seems unattainable, and the true value of a home is most profoundly felt when we are without one. 

For Charmeigne, the homeowner experience goes far beyond the bricks and mortar that makes up the physical home. As a single mother, Charmeigne faced a housing crisis and turned to Habitat for help. “Everytime you pay for rent you’re essentially giving your money away but when you’re paying toward your home that’s something you know you’re going to own. A home is an investment for your family and your kids.” The stability that affordable housing offered Charmeigne and her daughter made all of the difference in their lives. 

Looking back through the years since she received her home in 2007, Charmeigne is grateful that Habitat was able to provide her with affordable housing that would help her build equity into a place that she could call her own. She felt pride knowing that she was paying on a home that she would own. “I tell everybody I live in a Habitat house,” she says. “I worked for it, but I really appreciate everybody else that worked for it along with me…and I know my daughter does, too.”

When we hear the positive effects that guaranteed housing had on Charmaigne, it really strengthens our resolve for the coming years. This home didn’t just impact Charmeigne, it had lasting benefits for her daughter. It provided the stability that they needed to thrive, as evidenced by how well Charmeigne is doing today, still living in and loving her Habitat home. Everyone is worthy of a home, a safe space, and a haven.

Central Valley Habitat for Humanity is at the forefront, addressing housing insecurity and promoting financial stability to reduce the reliance on additional interventions. What would you give for a program that eliminates the need for temporary support? Would you give us the cost of a cup of coffee? A loaf of bread? A tank of gas?

Our new Helping Hands Club asks for a modest donation of just $20 a month to aid our Homeownership and Critical Home Repair programs in providing individuals with affordable homes and older adults with home repairs. For every 800 people who join this program, we will be able to build 1 additional home each year and 5 more critical home repairs.