An inside look at the dedication and physical labor required to purchase a Habitat for Humanity home
For many, homeownership is a significant milestone, a badge on their journey into adulthood. Yet, the path to this dream can be difficult. This is where Habitat for Humanity steps in, armed with blueprints, hardhats, and hammers, to transform these dreams into tangible reality, making a profound difference in the lives of local families.
In Seguin, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio and Guadalupe Valley orchestrated the Build for Better Bash at Texas Lutheran University. The one-day event had a huge show out from the community as nearly three hundred volunteers came together to construct wall panels that will soon go up and become homes for Guadalupe County residents.
Daisy Davila was among those who will soon be homeowners. Like others, she is putting sweat equity into her future home.
The new home will mean big changes for Davila’s three children, who are excited to leave apartment life behind in exchange for a future full of more space and backyard adventures.
“We’ve been renting an apartment for the past five years,” Davila said. “It was okay in the beginning because the kids were little. But now they’re 7, 8, and 9, so they’ve gotten a lot bigger. I’m excited to have our own space. Having neighbors, especially one right in front of you and one right next to you, is a lot sometimes. But I mean, this home is our space; they get to have their own backyard. They always wanted a trampoline. It’s the little stuff like that.”
Davila’s family and children were right there alongside her, with safety gear on, building the walls that will soon become their home.
Lively music played from loudspeakers as the kids learned from adults who patiently taught the youngsters how to hammer in their nails properly. It was a community effort with volunteers working with the family to accomplish the project.
“It’s different,” Davila said. “You don’t see a lot of people building their own homes. They check on their homes every once in a while, but you don’t see them doing the boards. We’re working for it. You know what I mean? It’s just not getting handed to us.”
Angela Mark is the mother of Gabby Mark, another soon-to-be Habitat for Humanity homeowner. Angela beamed with pride as she watched her daughter and grandson, Jeremiah, finally start construction on their home after being denied last year.
“She applied last year and didn’t get accepted,” Angela said. “I saw it on Facebook advertised, so I encouraged her to apply again. And she did. So a couple of months later, she called from work one day and said they called her. So we helped get her documentation in order and encouraged her to keep on the straight and narrow and keep working towards being a homeowner. We’re so proud of her. She’s a hard worker, and to see her grow into an opportunity to be a homeowner is such a blessing for her. And for Jeremiah. I think it’s important for Jeremiah to be out here. He’s only three, but he needs to see that putting hard work in and doing the right thing is what gets you to your goal. “
The families that purchase Habitat for Humanity homes must jump through all of the same hoops as those who purchase homes through more traditional routes. They must undergo credit and criminal background checks, and then, of course, underwriters are involved. Potential buyers must also put in physical labor hours during the building process to remain eligible for purchase. Then, the loan has to come through, and that’s only if Habitat selects them.
It can be daunting, but Gabby reminds others that one year can change everything after a rejection.
“I was kind of disappointed, but if it weren’t for my mom telling me to re-apply, I wouldn’t be here,” Gabby said. “You get denied again; keep trying. If they tell you that it’s your credit, fix your credit. You know, keep working on it; don’t get discouraged. I mean, everything happens for a reason. You’re putting in your effort, you’re putting in your hours.”
Habitat for Humanity homeowners serve as a reminder that dreams don’t only happen at night –– they can come true right there in the light of day while hammers clang away, out of sync, but in unison as they build a better future for local families. •