Nail by Nail, Step by Step: Jessy’s Story
"Just because you’ve struggled in life doesn’t mean that you can’t move forward."
Jessy knows what it means to build something from the ground up—not just a house, but a future. At one point, Jessy and her children lived in a shelter, facing uncertainty. Without a vehicle and with limited options, she relied on the support of others to help her move forward. Step by step, she built a better life, transitioning from a small townhouse. But with twins on the way, she needed more space and stability. That's when her mother encouraged her to apply for a home through Central Valley Habitat for Humanity.
When Jessy first heard about Habitat, she, like many, thought, "They're giving houses away!" But she quickly learned that a Habitat home is not a handout—it’s a hand up. Homebuyers put in hard work, investing their time and effort into building their own home, and hopefully, carrying the torch by volunteering to help others achieve their own homeownership dreams.
"Nail by nail, we kept building and building. Shovel by shovel, we kept shoveling. But then it just made us into a closer family."
Through sweat equity and an affordable mortgage, Jessy’s dream became a reality: a four-bedroom home with a yard where her kids can play, and yes, two bathrooms—because who doesn’t want two bathrooms?
Jessy’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and the power of community. And there are so many more families like hers—families working hard, doing everything they can to create a better life, but still needing a helping hand.
This April 16, during the Great Community Give, you have the chance to be that helping hand. Your donation to Central Valley Habitat for Humanity will go directly toward building homes for local families in need, giving them a foundation for stability, security, and a brighter future.
Will you help us build more homes, more futures, and more stories of resilience like Jessy’s? Donate today or pledge to give during the Great Community Give.
