Already worried about their living conditions, Ammi and Carlos quickly realized their reservations about the quality of life they could offer a new baby.
“We pay over $700 for a bedroom that we share with our eight-year-old son,” says Ammi. “We had outgrown our space before we even moved in.”
The married college graduates were desperate to find a decent and affordable place to live. Against their hopes, the affordable housing crisis in Collier County proved relentless, denying them the opportunity to escape the poverty housing they knew.
Lamenting over their struggles to a friend, Ammi was asked if she had approached Habitat about buying a home with an affordable mortgage. She and her family applied that same day.
Now, because of her family’s partnership with Habitat, they will have a strong foundation for their growing family and an opportunity on which they can build a better life.
Sweat Equity All-Star
“It’s a privilege to directly say thank you to those who make Habitat’s work possible through their generosity,” says Ammi.
While most Habitat homeowners work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, Ammi, pregnant and near full-term, had limited abilities on the jobsite. “I want to help our family and help other families, but I want that help to be useful,” Ammi says. “I appreciate the opportunity to earn my sweat equity hours where I’m useful—”
“We have been joking that Ammi has been the most valuable ‘employee’ in the development office,” says Jenn Pash, Director of Habitat Collier’s fundraising efforts. “Since Ammi was so close to having her baby, she has been working her sweat equity hours in our office writing thank you notes to our generous donors. It has been wonderful to see the responses which have included phone calls, notes back and even second gifts.”
Attitude of Gratitude
Ammi’s faith continues to inspire and motivate her as she closes in on her hours. “In the Bible, ten men were healed by Jesus, but only one came back to thank Him. This is my way of being that one who came back to say thank you.”
She touches her belly and smiles. “I am so grateful. I have a lot to be thankful for.”
People in our community, and all over the world, partner with Habitat for Humanity to build a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable, interest-free mortgage. With your help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
By Donating to Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, You Can Help Mothers, Like Ammi, Realize Their Dreams and Grow to Their Full Potential.