For Monica, a dedicated mother and investigator, the path to homeownership has been a journey of patience and perseverance. A decade after her first application was not accepted, she is now proudly building her future with Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program, a dream she once thought was out of reach.
“My mom is the one that encouraged me,” Monica shared. “She knew I could do it and she knew circumstances have changed. I was in a better place mentally, financially.”
Monica’s family includes her son, Ethan, 13, and her daughter, Emma, 8. They are a “chill, close family” who are self-described homebodies, enjoying sports, arts and crafts, and spending time with their extended family. For years, they have lived in a small two-bedroom town home, the first place Monica ever had on her own.
But as her children grew, the challenges of their cramped space became apparent. The family faced issues with safety and security, with items being stolen from their backyard.
“The last neighbors that we had were not very good neighbors. We were getting things stolen and that sense of security was no longer there,” Monica explained. Furthermore, her daughter Emma, who has always shared a room with her mom, was eager for a space of her own. “She wants her own privacy because I know what it is like growing up and not having your own room. I wanted that for them too.”
This time, her application was accepted. The experience has been transformative, not just in building a house, but in building a community. Despite initially being nervous about completing her sweat equity hours, she found support from her employer and the Habitat Tucson team.
“It’s been nice knowing we’re all one team,” she said. “Having that support and meeting other families that were kind of in the same situation as you are, I’ve enjoyed it so far.”
As an “office girly,” Monica has discovered new strengths and a deep respect for construction work. “It also teaches you that you’re so much more than what you think you are capable of doing and it gives you a sense of respect for people who do that line of work because it’s hard.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to, the emotion was palpable. “I guess just having something I can call my own… owning your own house was something I never thought I would ever accomplish,” she reflected. “So I think just being able to say like I put in the work, I put in the sweat, the tears, the everything to accomplish that.”
This new foundation of stability will also allow her to focus on her own goals, like going back to school to get her degree. But for now, the focus is on the family’s bright future. Her motto, shared with fellow homebuyers on the construction site, is simple: “It’s going to be worth it at the end.”
And for Monica, what starts with a home? Her answer is simple and heartfelt: “Love.”
Like Monica, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.