What It Takes...
Habitat for Humanity success stories are an illustration of building our community and living out our mission and vision to build safe, decent, affordable homes because everyone deserves a decent place to live. Success stories would not be possible without the combination of volunteers, community support and partners, Habitat Partner Families, and the trailblazing staff of the affiliate organization. Each Habitat Partner Family fulfills their responsibilities by helping to build their own home through sweat equity hours alongside the dedicated and willing volunteers. The journey of a Habitat Homebuyer begins when they attend our application meeting, and it continues through the process of having the need for affordable housing, having the ability to pay for their mortgage, and being willing to partner with Habitat. The process takes an average of 18-24 months, and at the journey does not end there. Once our Habitat Partner families become homeowners, they have built strength, stability and self-reliance for generations to come - helping break the cycle of poverty and making meaningful impact in our local community.
Strength, Stability, Self-Reliance
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Our Habitat Homeownershelping to break the cycle of poverty and make meaningful change in our local community.
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Meet Our Habitat Homeowners
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#140 - Lizbeth & JoeserickLizbeth and Joeserick, the 140th Habitat homebuyers in Brown County, exemplify the transformative power of affordable homeownership. Completing 634 sweat equity hours (and likely more), they embraced every challenge with dedication, learning new skills and collaborating closely with volunteers. Their love and care extend beyond building their home, as they work tirelessly to create opportunities for their family and future generations. Their journey reflects the strength, stability, and independence that Habitat for Humanity strives to foster, and we are proud to have been part of their story.
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#139 - Erika Erika, who grew up in Puerto Rico, is a single mother of one. After moving to Green Bay, WI in 2014, Erika searched for a better future for herself and her daughter. Humbled by God, Erika appreciates everything she experienced. Entering into the Homeownership Program, Erika has the dream of owning a home and will do everything she can to provide a safe home for her daughter. Erika's daughter, Noellys, likes to study and aspires to be a teacher.
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Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for fulfilling one of my dreams of having a home. I want to do my best to get my home and to provide a safe home for my daughter. I came to Wisconsin looking for a better future for me and my daughter and so far I am grateful to God for everything I have experienced and I am a better person for it. God bless you always.
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#138 - SheenaA single mother of five, Sheena is a beacon of strength, determination and love. Sheena is a constant role model to her children and entered into the Homeownership Program ready and willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Her inspiring story through life demonstrates that hard work, a willingness to partner and doing everything you can possible will make the dream of homeownership a reality.
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As a family, we are respectful, caring, responsible and helpful. I have been wanting a house for my kids and I to call home. We are very grateful that we will have a stable home and enough space to live.
#137 - Felix and ZulaykaAs a family of six, Felix and Zulayka live in a three-bedroom home. The rooms are too small, the home is older and several family members have severe allergies and asthma in addition to other unsafe accommodations. A decent, affordable home is necessary for the family to find strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Felix and Zulayka need and deserve a house where they can feel safe and the kids can grow up in a healthy environment.
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As a family, we are very united, humble, responsible and very helpful. This, having a home, is something we've wanted for a very long time because we always had in mind to give our children a stable and safe place to live. We have no words to express how we will feel once we have a home of our own.
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#136 - Erika & ItzyaFuture homebuyers Erika and Itzya are a family of five, and a determined mother-daughter duo. Green Bay is where the family's mother, Erika, planted her "seeds" to try her hardest to create a home. Erika's four children include Itzya, also the future homebuyer of the home, along with her siblings Daniela, Christian and Jovanny. Itzya is creating inspiration in the community as a teacher and Erika is truly the matriarch of the family.
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Our family has never had the possibility of living in a house before, much less own a house. When we heard about Habitat and the amazing impact your team has done in the past with other families we stopped and questioned, would we be able to fulfill our dream of owning a house through the Habitat team? Here we are trying our best to have this dream come true.
#135 - RosaFor Rosa and her three children, living space is small and the environment is not ideal. Living in an older home, things do not work efficiently, summers are difficult with no air conditioning and windows that are unable to be opened. Rosa is working hard for her family to have a space with the children can have privacy and a healthy space to reside. Rosa has a deep faith with God and has prayed very hard for her family for this blessing that she has worked tirelessly for.
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I am a single mother, and I have always told my children that we are a team. I consider my family humble, simple, and we live modestly. I am working on my children's values and their education and I have told them that as long as we have God in our hearts, nothing bad will happen to us and that is all we need. I love being home with my children and being in God's home.
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#134 - ChelseaCurrently living in a two-bedroom home with her three children sharing one room, space is limited for Chelsea and her family. Working full-time and continuing education, Chelsea is extremely hardworking and deserving of decent, affordable homeownership. Chelsea and her family have a need for a home, and she's looking forward to a Habitat house so her children have a quite place to do homeowner and have personal space.
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I am a single mom of three amazing kids. I work as a family support specialist in the child welfare field and I'm also a full-time college student. As a family, we work and learn how to be gentle and kind every day. My kids look forward to having more room and privacy and they've all voted on growing a garden at our future home. As a mother, it is my job to take on the world and learn everything along the way so that I can help my children navigate their lives. I am so excited to be able to learn to grow with Habitat for Humanity.
#133 - YoliannieYoliannie is a single mother of two and has lived in Green Bay for three years after leaving Puerto Rico. Moving to Wisconsin with the dream of providing her children with a better education and future, Yoliannie has embarked on the journey towards strength, stability and self-reliance as a future homebuyer in our Homeownership Program. Inspired by other Habitat homeowners, Yoliannie is working hard alongside volunteers building her home and the homes of other future homebuyers.
Yoliannie purchased the 133rd Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated in June 2023. |
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I came to Wisconsin with the dream of providing my children with a better education, future, and having my own house - a home where my children could have their own space; a warm and welcoming space to call HOME. I loved the way Habitat for Humanity helps families like mine to have a home of their own. It is amazing how volunteers help other people build their home. It's a dream come true for my children and me.
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#132 - KiaAfter moving to Green Bay a few years ago to be closer to family, Kia and her four children live in an extremely cramped living space. Kia wants the stability and independence of homeownership and a house where her children can grow and a home that be passed along for generations.
Yoliannie purchased the 132nd Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated in June 2023. |
I moved to Green Bay looking for a new start and to be closer to family. What I'm looking forward to as a homeowner is the stability it will create, the memories we will make as a family, and being able to pass my home along to future generations. I want to be an inspiration to single mothers.
#131 - CarmenAs a family of four, Carmen and her three children live in a cramped two-bedroom apartment. Having three young children can be a challenge in an apartment because of noise and no room to play. The family is also exposed to unhealthy conditions in the apartment because of smoke leaking through the air ducts. Carmen looks forward to giving her children a higher quality of life and an opportunity to have a place of their own.
Carmen purchased the 131st Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated on December 13, 2022. |
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I consider myself hard-working, responsible, and a fighter. My three children are smart and very kind. Together, we create our dreams. As a homeowner, I hope to have peace of mind knowing that my children will have a stable roof and will have more freedom to play however they want. I also want to have a positive environment where they can anything.
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#130 - JakiJaki and her son lived in an apartment that constantly presents problems to their health and wellbeing. The bathroom frequently had mold that needs to be cleaned out, the windows did no seal well due to mold and condensation, there was no safe place for Jaki's son to play, and there was very little privacy. Jaki was looking for a safe place to develop a strong family foundation and somewhere Jaki's son can be a kid, play, and be safe, and she found that through Habitat for Humanity.
Jaki purchased the 130th Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated on July 26, 2022. |
The things that Kyrie and I look forward to as new homeowners is the security in knowing that we have a safe place to live and play. We are looking forward to a place that we can help build, invest our time and energy into making it a home perfect for us to grow happy in. We could not be more thankful for this opportunity. There are not enough words to explain the joy and happiness.
#129 - Donnie & JouaAs a family of eight, Donnie, Joua their six children and grandmother lived in a cramped three-bedroom, one-bathroom home. The family came to Habitat for Humanity, completed the necessary steps to be approved for the Homeownership Program and are looking forward to owning a home and having more space. Donnie has dedicated himself to countless hours of sweat equity volunteering on his future home and the homes of other Habitat homebuyers.
Donny and Joua purchased the 129th Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated on July 25, 2022. |
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I always work hard to try and save money to buy a home for my family. This is my big dream to buy a home for my family. Finally, my dream has come true because of the help from Habitat for Humanity. When we got our new home, we will make sure to maintain our home to look nice. My family is excited to see our new home soon. Thank you Habitat for Humanity for making our dream come true.
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#128 - Esteban and RosaHaving resided in a two-bedroom apartment as a family of five, Esteban and Rosa were of a great need for a decent and affordable home. The family came to Habitat for Humanity so they could provide more room, and privacy for everyone. One of the things that the mother, Rosa, looks forward to doing is gardening, and the children look forward to having room to play.
Esteban and Rosa purchased the 128th Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated on May 23, 2022. |
We need more rooms and space for privacy. Personal space to do homework is very important. We look forward to being able to find a park nearby to play basketball, and we love to garden and plant summer vegetables. Our youngest likes to play in the yard and we’re looking forward to having a space that everyone can enjoy.
#127 - JenaThe Smith family includes (mother) Jena, and children, Dae' Kwon, Amiracle, and Ahkilies. Jena looks forward to buying her Habitat home so she can provide a house that her children where they can plan and have space. Jena's home will be the site of Women Build 2021 and Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity's first-ever Veteran Build. As an independent woman, mother of three, and veteran, Jena's home is a great model for women empowering women, and a highlight to bring our veteran community together.
Jena purchased the 127th Habitat home in De Pere with an affordable, 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated on March 2, 2022. |
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I have been waiting and working towards the day I can provide a suitable home for my children. For the past five years, I have undergone several surgeries and my children have been more than their fair share of patient and helpful. I look forward to being able to help with the construction of our home for my children to have their bedrooms and to be able to move freely through the house after future surgeries.
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#126 - Amy
Having lived in a duplex, the rent was very expensive and there was not enough space for Amy's family. The duplex was old and had some safety concerns. Amy looks forward to owning a home as she has rented for several years and has moved many places. Together, Amy's family looks forward to having a home to call their own and a yard to make memories. Amy purchased the 126th Habitat home in Green Bay with an affordable, 0% interest, no-profit mortgage. The home was dedicated on October 28, 2021. Having our own home, somewhere we could call “ours” was always a dream. We have been very blessed and extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity to work hard and have our dream come true and finally have our forever home. Having a yard of our own and a home to make a lifetime of memories in is something we are looking forward to. |
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#125 - Jose & Luz
With the family of five living in a two-bedroom apartment, Jose and Luz wanted to provide more for their children. Parents Jose and Luz Marina and their three children living at home need more rooms, a place to do school/homework, and a suitable kitchen. The family moved to the area about seven years ago with the dream of one day owning a home and look forward to accomplishing their dreams. Jose and Luz purchased the 125th Habitat home located in Green Bay. The family celebrated the home dedication on September 28, 2021 and Jose and Luz purchased the home with an affordable, no-profit, 0% interest mortgage. We moved to Green Bay almost six years ago with the dream of someday owning our own house. We are thankful for the opportunity that Habitat for Humanity has given us to accomplish the dream. We are looking forward to having our own space with enough room for the family. |
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#124- Marina
Marina dreamed of owning her own home. To support her daughters, Marina wanted to have more room for her family, have a sense of security and hope for the future, and have a yard for her girls to play in without moving around anymore. And Marina worked hard for her goals, and is a wonderful role model for her girls. Marina purchased the 124th Habitat home in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on April 29, 2021 One of the biggest things I look forward to the most, as a homeowner, is being able to provide a safe and stable home for my girls without having to worry about moving again. We thank God because soon we will have a place that we can call our own, because it will be “Our Home. |
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#123 - Elliot & Virgen
Elliot and Virgen have two children, Ellianys and Tairon. Before purchasing their Habitat home, the family lived in conditions that were not safe to their health and multiple family members have asthma. The family was concerned with the security of their living environment and sought a safe place to live. Elliot and Virgen own our 123rd Habitat home in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on March 31, 2021. As owners of our own house we hope to give 100% of ourselves to provide our children with good stability as a family. The houses which have been built by Habitat have been made with love and this is what makes us happy, to know that our house also will be built with the same love. |
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#122 - Kim
Kim and her two children were excited excited to purchase and move into their new home. The home is our first Habitat home built with the plum siding. Kim owns the 122nd Habitat home located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on December 16, 2020, and was sold to the family at an affordable interest-free mortgage. I am currently working in an amazing Rehab facility for post-surgeries. All the different patients that I see every day push me to succeed. I am a single mom with two kids, a full-time job and going to school. In the long-run, my biggest goal is to be able to spend more time with my family." |
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#121- Dexter and Fatumo
Dexter and Fatumo have two children, under the age of five. The home built for them is ADA accessible. The Perez family owns the 121st home located at 223 S. Buchanan Street in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on October 20, 2020 and was sold to the family at an affordable interest-free mortgage. For us, being homeowners means stability, security, and not worrying about having a roof over our heads. We are so blessed to partner with Habitat for Humanity, and we look forward to all of the opportunities homeownership will offer us. |
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#120 - Andres & Shaleen
Andres and Shaleen have six children. The family documented over 600 sweat equity hours as Habitat family partners. The Jimenez family owns our 120th home located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on June 25, 2020 and was sold to the family at an affordable interest-free mortgage. We have always dreamed of providing a bigger, more spacious home for our children. We knew that the day would come and God would provide the opportunity. We are very grateful to be part of the Habitat for Humanity family now." |
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#119 - Sharif & Khadra
Sharif and Khadra have five children. They were referred to Habitat’s homeownership program from another Habitat family and are so excited to have an affordable and safe place to call home. Sharif and Khadra own our 119th Habitat home located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on May 22, 2020 and was sold to the family at an affordable interest-free mortgage. Owning a home means I am able to say “yes.” Yes, I’m a positive role model for my children. Yes, I’ll take responsibility for my children and my life. Yes, I’m worthy, dependable, and self-motivated. But most importantly, owning my home means saying, “I can." |
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#118 - Kou & Mai
With a family of seven, and living in an overcrowded home, Kou and Mai had dreams of their own place with space for their five young children to grow up in. Kou and Mai own the 118th Habitat home, located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on February 13th, 2020 and was sold to the family at an affordable, interest-free mortgage. As a family, our hopes and goals are to grow and appreciate each other. Owning a home means everything to our family, because we have worked hard for this dream of becoming homeowners. |
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#117 - Karleen
Karleen has three children. She moved to the US from Puerto Rico 10 years ago, and moved to Green Bay in 2012 to be closer to family. She's currently an accounting student and enjoys spending time with her family. Karleen owns our 117th Habitat home, located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on December 13, 2019 and was sold to the family at an affordable, interest-free mortgage.
Thanks to God everyday for a new day and blessing me with three awesome kids. I want to provide a place for them." - Karleen Hernandez |
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#116 - Sara
Sara has three daughters: Madison (an adult who lives on her own), Maleah, and Miya. Sara owns our 116th Habitat home, located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on October 3, 2019 and was sold to the family at an affordable, interest-free mortgage. I have always wanted to provide my children with a home that was truly ours. Being able to let them play in a yard and ride their bikes would be a dream come true to them. Being able to provide them with a home is so important to me. It means that I will be able to provide them with a home that we can make our own, a place to make memories and build traditions, a place that we can be proud of because we helped build it. |
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#115 - Ryan & Jasmine
Jasmine and Ryan have four children, Caydence, Bryton, Raylan, and Mya. Ryan and Jasmine own the 115th Habitat home, located in Green Bay. The home was a result of Women Build 2019, which hosted over 200 participants. The home was dedicated on August 26, 2019 and was sold to the family at an affordable, interest-free mortgage. Owning a home for us means permanency and a strong foundation to raise our children. This is the first home for any of us that is truly ours, and it gives us a sense of peace and comfort knowing that we won't have to rent anymore. |
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#114- Omar & Brittany
Brittany, Omar, and their two children lived in an old and unsafe home. Between poor insulation, springtime flooding, animals in the attic, and a musty smell that seeps into everything (including their clothes), Brittany was ready to provide something better for her family. Omar and Brittany own our 114th home, located in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on June 6, 2019 and was sold to the family at an affordable, interest-free mortgage. I believe my little family deserves a safe home that I can afford on my own. |
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#113 - Xirsi & Safia
With a household of 11 and a father with medical needs, it was hard for Xirsi and Safia to find accessible, suitable housing. After applying to the Homeownership program a few years ago and getting denied, the family worked hard to meet the requirements, applied again, and was accepted! The family now owns the 113th home, located in Green Bay. Their home was dedicated on May 16, 2019. The home was sold to the family at an affordable, interest-free mortgage. We are looking forward to living in our first house. Thank you all for helping us! |
7 out of the 11 family members
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Maksim, Alina, Evelyn, and Stella Redko
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#112 - Maksim & Alina
When Maksim brought his wife, Alina, to the United States from Ukraine, he knew he needed to provide the best future possible for her and their daughter Evelyn. With a new baby on the way (Stella was born in August 2018), the Redko family needed to upgrade their living quarters so they could live happily and healthily. This led them to apply for Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership program.
The family now owns our 112th home, located in Green Bay. Their home was dedicated on February 21, 2019. I believe that as the head of the family, it is my responsibility to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of my family. Safe, clean, and stable housing is one of those baseline needs that I feel obliged to meet as a father. |
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#111 - Lisa
For Lisa, having a space that suited the needs of their family was difficult to find. In need of a living space that is ADA accessible, the family struggled with flights of stairs, lack of space and shortage of handicap parking. This is what led the family to apply for Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership Program.
The DeWitt Family owns our 111th home, located on in Green Bay. The home was dedicated October 11, 2018. I'm so blessed that my handicapped son, Kevin, and I won't have to climb stairs anymore. I plan on making this home as beautiful as I can by planting flowers, trees, and a garden!" - Lisa |
Homeowner Lisa and her son Kevin
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Homeowner Maria and her two children
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#110 - Maria
For Maria and her children, more space was a necessity. The homeowner's teenage son and daughter were sharing a bedroom and the family of three was residing in a cramped two-bedroom apartment. It has always been the family's dream to own a home of their own and have the space they need to grow. This is what led the family to apply for Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership Program.
Maria owns the 110th Habitat home in Green Bay. The home was dedicated on August 23, 2018. Thank you to Habitat and all the people who have donated to make my dream come true. Without all their help, my dream of owning a home for myself and my two children couldn’t have come true." |
