Nina's Family Story

When Nina heard that she had been selected for a Habitat home, she shouted with joy and then fell silent, stunned by the good news. As she hung up the phone, Nina’s children stared at her in surprise. “Mom,” they asked, “Are you okay?”

Nina and her four children, ages 8 through 14, are eager for a home of their own. “Getting this house is finally going to give us the security that we need,” Nina says with a sigh of relief. “I’ll be able to rest easier.” Nina was first inspired to apply by a good friend, a Habitat homeowner with four children. “You have to try,” her friend encouraged. “We’re so much more at ease now.”

Having plenty of space is important to Nina because her youngest daughter is autistic. With apartments, it’s difficult for her daughter to move around freely. “It’s getting costly to keep moving,” Nina admits. For her school-aged children, moving disrupts their friendships and learning.

A new house will help this family of five settle into a routine. “We’re pretty family-structured,” says Nina, who is studying for her Associate’s Degree and plans to continue on for a degree in Criminal Justice. Nina loves having space for everyone to study together. “We have our days when we’re all at the table doing homework.”

Beyond her excitement, Nina is also deeply grateful for Habitat’s work. “It’s hard for people to take that first step into homeownership. I’m glad that Habitat does this work.” Nina’s enthusiasm is so infectious that she’s been sharing her experience on Facebook, spreading the word to friends. “My friends keep telling me I’m