Noni's House: Bridgette's Home Isn't Just for Her

Growing up in Chicago, Bridgette was close with her grandmother, called Big Momma, and often visited her small lower-level duplex (owned by her uncle).

"She always made that itty bitty space special," Bridgette remembers. "She'd give me teacakes in the morning, and I have fond memories of her praying all night long. Her home was special because she was special. My grandmother's place was my safe space."

So when Bridgette's own grandson was born in 2020, she knew she wanted to provide a similar experience for him. Then her apartment rent kept rising, and she started to think about other options.

"This baby came along and changed my life," she says. "I know the things my family afforded me, the love I was given, and what was bestowed on me. I want to give him that. I have to give him that."

Right away, Bridgette started outlining her goals but needed time to get ready. Her credit score was stable, but she wanted to save more money. A few short years later, Bridgette's dedication paid off. In early 2024, she reached her financial goals and joined Twin Cities Habitat's Homeownership Program. From there, she joined Habitat's Advancing Black Homeownership Program, which offers a Special Purpose Credit Program for applicants who self-identify as Foundational Black Americans. Bridgette is still in awe of her experience. From the moment she first met the staff, they were welcoming and helpful.

"The team works so hard on our behalf. I saw what was happening behind the scenes. I experienced care, professionalism, and encouragement. I feel really blessed," she explains.

During homebuying education classes, Bridgette met other future homeowners in all stages of their journeys. While buying a house can be stressful, Habitat staff offered a calm environment to learn. When she had questions, they answered. They connected the dots, offered personalized support, and even made it fun. An eager learner, Bridgette was disappointed when classes were over! At the same time, she was thrilled to put her learning into action and felt prepared to take the next step. Now she's encouraging her friends and two adult sons to think about becoming Habitat homeowners.

"Everything was easy, stress-free, and streamlined," Bridgette describes. "There aren't many things in my life that have gone that smoothly. Work had to be done, but staff made the process understandable. I don't know of anyone else who's doing what Habitat is doing. It can look bad out there, but they're doing so much good."

June 25—Bridgette's closing date—was about more than just moving to her new townhome in Blaine. It was about legacy, family, and a dream come true.

"When I got my keys and went home for the first time, all I could say was 'Thank you, God.' My grandmother is gone, and I lost my mother in 2018," Bridgette shares, "but I still feel them. Their homes were warm. Even when I put away my dishes, I move like them. I think like them. They made me the person I am to this day. I love that. And now I can pass that on to my grandson."

Because for Bridgette, seeing her grandson walk into her house for the first time was even better than getting her keys.

"He came in, paused, and his mouth just fell open because he was so happy. He yelled, 'Noni (that's what he calls me) got a good house!'" she reflects. "Going through the process and learning from Habitat was amazing. Getting my keys was wonderful. But his reaction when walking into a home that may one day be his—that was priceless. Now he calls it 'our house.' That's why I did this. It's for us."

Since closing on the open market, Bridgette has settled in slowly, enjoying the process and knowing she's not in a rush ("I'm still on cloud nine"). Her days of worrying about rising rent or moving are over. She picked paint colors intentionally, creating a calm space, and is putting everything in its place. Her grandson even gets his own room for when he comes to visit. Describing her neighborhood as a true community, Bridgette often sits on her deck to take in the friendly buzz as people come and go.

Bridgette has also stayed connected to the Habitat community and was thrilled to realize that support didn't stop once she moved. She's already attended two Volunteer and Learn classes and signed up to support the Carter Work Project. In her own words, she doesn't feel pushed out after closing. She feels cared for, heard, and brought closer, just like family.

As the holidays approach, Bridgette's excited to have more space to continue family traditions. She describes how she can already picture her family cooking together: one son is cutting ingredients, the other is stirring a pot on the stove. For Thanksgiving, they'll make turkey and dressing, greens, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and sweet potato pie. And for Christmas, Bridgette will make pound cake and her famous gumbo to share with friends and family.

"For me, home means peace. My home rises to meet me when I return every day. There's peace in knowing my family has a safe place in this big old world," she says. "I need my grandson to know that no matter what happens, no matter what's going on, has a place at Noni's house. He can always come home. You can live anywhere, but when you feel at home, that's a special thing."