| Habitat Homeowner Timeline |
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In the true spirit of the do-it-yourself credo, each Habitat for Humanity house is the result of discipline and hard work from many individuals. In order to qualify, each prospective homeowner must put in hours of "sweat equity" with Habitat, working first on others' homes before moving on to their own. In Adero's Words... I had always heard about Habitat but didn't think I would qualify. I had taken my son to softball practice and began talking to another parent there, who I discovered was also a church member. She told me about the Habitat program and where the meetings were. She spoke so highly of the program that I decided to call them. April 20, 2002
My first orientation with Habitat. I got the application and had two months to apply. April 21, 2002
I turned in my application and information (as you can see I was anxious to get started and didn't want to waste any time). April 23, 2002
I was denied by Habitat due to my level of outstanding credit-card debt. As you can see, they didn't waste any time denying me [smile], but they gave me helpful information on how to lower my debt. July 9, 2002
Attended my second orientation. July 11, 2002
Turned in my application, with my outstanding credit-card debt reduced by more than half. With the help of my family I was able to get my debt down. My children and I sacrificed eating out (usually pizza, which was a Friday night routine to celebrate the weekend) and basically having any fun that meant spending money. Many weekends were spent -- and still are -- doing free stuff in Charlotte. An occasional $1.50 movie was allowed. August 3, 2002
Had an interview at Habitat to see if I met other qualifications, to find out what I expected out of the program and to clarify any questions. September 12, 2002
I received a letter about a home visit coming up to assess my need for a home and to meet my children and me. I had recently moved in with my sister and her husband in order to continue to save and pay off my debt. I will never forget her patience and continued support. October 10, 2002
I received my pre-approval letter. Yeah! Almost there! October 26, 2002
Orientation. My mom and I came prepared to work -- and did, immediately following orientation. That day we worked on baseboards and windowsills -- and it was work! January 7, 2003
I started my HIP (Homeowners in Process) classes, which touched on a number of topics, one class every Tuesday for an hour. Classes lasted until graduation in March. March 8, 2002
I chose my lot. I was number 1 on the list and had been on the list since December 2002. Talk about anxious!!!! It was a hard decision, but I love my lot. I went back Saturday and Sunday, bringing my children, my sister and my friends. March 15, 2003
Today I chose my colors for the home -- my vinyl, carpet and countertop colors. It was so hard for me to make a choice, but finally I chose -- then went to do some more sweat-equity hours. March 18, 2003
Beth called me and told me who my sponsor was -- DIY. I was so thrilled, I wanted to shout in the office, but that wouldn't have been very businesslike (smile). March 25, 2003
HIP graduation! My classmates and our families had a potluck dinner, and a good time was had by all. March 28, 2003
I drove out to my site to show one of my associates my lot, and the cement was being poured. I was very excited, and it really sank in that finally I had a piece of my dream forming before my very eyes!
RESOURCES :
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity
Website: www.habitat.org
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