“I was deciding between choosing Habitat or a regular mortgage, and I just like how Habitat works. I was meeting other families, and I saw the process of it and how meaningful my house would be for me and my kids.”
Paloma Morales, a Tucson native, is a dedicated professional at the Pio Decimo Center and a devoted single mother, sharing custody of her three young children—Emmanuel (11), Annabelle (10), and Isabella (7). Through her work at the Center, she has gained valuable housing education, making her well-versed in the first-time home buyer process. Adjusting to this new phase of life has been challenging for Paloma, as she is used to having her children by her side full-time. Reflecting on her journey to Habitat Tucson, she describes it as a series of transitions that have allowed her family to overcome numerous obstacles, emerging united and stronger than ever.
During her marriage, her husband was not interested in purchasing a home. Paloma waited for the divorce proceedings to finalize before pursuing her dream of homeownership. After being encouraged by a fellow Habitat Tucson homeowner, she applied twice and was ultimately approved. After working at the same job for two years, she decided it was the right time to apply for a home through the program.
“It’s been a very life changing experience because I’m constantly meeting different people, different cultures, and making friends. For me, it’s getting out and doing something that not only benefits my family but helps me grow as a person.”
Paloma is resilient. Growing up without a father and having faced significant challenges in her childhood, she strives to be a better parent for her children.
“I want my kids to grow up in a stable environment, with good neighbors and a strong school. My goal is to return to school myself to secure a better-paying job. Most importantly, I want them to have a permanent home, unlike my own experience of moving frequently during childhood.”
She has faced significant challenges, including the move from living in a trailer without air conditioning to her current situation in transitional housing through Catholic Community Services. The family of four live in a two-bedroom duplex where the kids share one room.
Paloma now finds herself really enjoying the construction portion of her sweat equity hours. Inspired by home improvement shows and her own smaller projects, such as building a desk for her children during lockdown, she has discovered a newfound pride in her abilities. She says, “What surprised me is that I was able to do [the construction work]. I never thought that I would be doing it.”
Looking to the future, she is excited to have her own home but also talks about going back to school. Paloma feels that this will be the beginning of clarity in her life, helping her finally establish a sense of direction. Constantly worrying about where she will live and what her future holds, she wants to go back to working in the medical field – specifically, in Emergency Medical Services where she can help people. With a clearer mindset, she feels prepared to move forward confidently in her new home.
Says Paloma, “To me, home is a nest for my family — a place where we always belong and can return to. My kids are just excited for their own rooms and the chance to decorate them.”