Six families achieve the American dream with DuPage Habitat
This July, DuPage Habitat for Humanity is looking back at the families who celebrated home dedications in the past fiscal year.
In fiscal year 2019, DuPage Habitat for Humanity welcomed six families to the homes they helped build and renovate.
The dedications of these houses symbolized more than just a roof over the families' heads. It represented the strength, stability, and self-reliance that comes with shelter and finding a safe place to call home.
The dedications also represented all the work the families put into their homes during sweat equity. Sweat equity at Habitat is a new homeowner investing in their home or one for another family. It's not a form of payment, but an opportunity to work alongside volunteers who give their time to bring to life a family's dream of owning a home.
Alma, a single mother of three whose home was dedicated in April, says, "My biggest inspiration for working toward my home was to guide my kids to be great people that, in the future, will help others as well. Since the day they told us that we were a part of the program, my girls asked me if they may start packing. We are very excited to own a home."
Janvier and Josephina's home was dedicated in June. The couple, their four children, a large network of Habitat supporters, and members of their congregation all came together to celebrate the family's drive and determination.
"Hard work brings good things," says Janvier. "I am grateful, and I look forward to when I can help someone else."
Families who partner with Habitat are taking an active role in changing their circumstances. Their partnership is an investment in the future for themselves and their families.
Habitat assists the homebuyer by offering a hand-up - not a handout - and the tools necessary to build a stable foundation.
You can help a future homeowner change their life. Make a donation today and bring your congregation out for a Faith Build this year. Together, we can all help build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Find out if partnering with DuPage Habitat is the right fit for you by attending one of the informational sessions.
Sign up for one of the summer dates (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, or 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21) at dupagehabitat.galaxydigital.com. The sessions are held at the DuPage Habitat home office, 1600 E. Roosevelt in Wheaton.
Criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner include:
• Need for housing. Current home is overcrowded, unsafe, too expensive, etc.
• Ability to pay. Stable work history, manageable debt load, absence of liens.
• Willingness to partner. Prospective homeowners must invest a minimum of 250 hours of "sweat equity" for each applicant and co-applicant by working on DuPage Habitat homes, at fundraisers and events, at the ReStore, or in the office. Some hours must be invested in budgeting and financial classes.
• Live or work in DuPage County.
• Meet Habitat income guidelines. DuPage Habitat personnel can provide that information during a telephone conversation.
The annual Swing Fore Housing Golf Invitational is Thursday, Sept. 19, presented by Liberty Mutual. Join as an individual golfer, a team of four, or as a sponsor.
The event will take place at Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge and features a hole-in-one grand prize trip for two golfers to St. Andrews, Scotland, plus $2,500 in cash, along with more than $350 in golfer giveaways.
Cost is $225 for an individual golfer or $800 for a foursome.
Register today on the DuPage Habitat for Humanity website, www.chicagolandhabitat.org.