Building a Future: A Future Habitat Homeowner's Journey
Pictured: Michele with her daughters
For one dedicated mother in Longmont, the dream of homeownership is becoming a reality thanks to Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley. A single mother of two daughters, she has worked tirelessly to provide her family a safe and stable home. When they're not busy with work and school, they can be found playing Uno, adventuring in the world of Zelda, biking, swimming, or hiking together.
“One of the coolest things about this experience is that I can tell my girls that, along with the amazing crew, I am building them a house.”
Her journey to homeownership has been one of resilience and determination. Since 2012, she has dedicated herself to higher education, and for the past five years, she has worked full-time in the sciences at a local college in Longmont. She has built a strong sense of community, forming friendships and connections that have supported her. However, in 2023, she faced a difficult decision—leaving her marriage to create a safe and stable environment for her daughters. This meant selling the only home they had ever known and navigating the challenge of finding secure, affordable housing in Longmont.
The search for stable housing was daunting. With most of her income going toward rent, saving for a down payment on a home seemed nearly impossible. Determined to find a solution, she explored every available option for homeownership, which led her to St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity. Signing up for notifications and applying as soon as applications opened, she held onto hope—but never expected the following life-changing news.
"When I discovered we were selected to buy a home, I was in shock—then pure excitement! I didn't think I'd be able to own again, especially in Longmont, where my daughters and I have put down deep roots. Now, we have a chance at real stability."
No longer will she have to worry about renewing leases, increasing rent prices, or dealing with unreliable landlords. Instead, she is building a future—literally. Through Habitat's program, she has worked alongside dedicated volunteers and staff, installing hurricane ties, caulking, painting, and hammer-drilling railroad ties on the construction site. She has also spent time at the ReStore, helping pick up furniture and working with the employees and volunteers who make Habitat's mission possible.
"One of the coolest things about this experience is that I can tell my girls that, along with the amazing crew, I am building them a house."
Through this journey, she has gained more than just a home—confidence in herself and her future. She hopes her daughters will grow up seeing the power of perseverance and hard work. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, she now can provide a safe, stable home for her family—an investment she can one day pass on to her children.
"I strive to be a strong and stable mom for my daughters, and Habitat for Humanity has helped me gain confidence in myself and our future. This home will be an investment I can pass down to my girls, and that means everything to me."
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of Habitat for Humanity and the unwavering spirit of those who work hard to build a better future. The St. Vrain Valley community is proud to stand beside her on this journey, proving that the dream of homeownership can come true with determination, support, and a little help.