Some of life’s journeys are long, much longer than expected or hoped for. But when you arrive at the destination, the journey is more than worth it. This could not be more true for Katherine and her son, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton’s newest homeowners.
Katherine first applied to the homeownership program in 2013. The average time to work through our program is 1½-2 years, but life happens. Still, she never lost sight of her goal or her faith. And the third time she applied was the charm.
On January 24, Katherine signed her mortgage paperwork and received the keys to her brand-new house in Trotwood! Filled with pride and relief, Katherine could not help but dance with the keys in her hand! A journey that spanned more than a decade had finally come to a happy ending. The normally quiet homeowner could not help but exclaim, “Praise God; persistence pays off. I told myself, ‘Just take it one step at a time, and don’t get overwhelmed.’ Once I got started, I just kept going.”
Katherine’s dedication paid off, and everyone present could tell the impact the moment had on her, especially Katherine’s 20-year-old son, Da’Shawn.
“This has been my mom’s dream,” he said during the ceremony. “I’m so proud of her, you all just don’t understand.”
Da’Shawn grew up watching Katherine’s journey to homeownership. He reflected on the experience, which started when he was 8 years old: “I did have my doubts; I’m human. Everybody has their doubts, but I knew we’d get it. I’ve always had this feeling that waiting is the main task because patience comes hand-in-hand with it. You just have to keep going; you can’t stop.”
That diligence is obviously a learned trait.
“The first time [she applied for the program], it was ‘no.’ The second time, it was ‘wait.’ The third time … yes!” said Katherine, who works as a paraprofessional. “I always said, ‘I’m going to keep going either way. If I don’t get it, then at least I tried. And I’m still helping someone else (with her required volunteer time).’ Thank God, I got it!”
Habitat Homeowner Services Manager Marsha Martin, who walked with Katherine for most of her journey to homeownership, paid her the ultimate compliment during the dedication ceremony: “She has a quiet personality, but what Katherine doesn’t say she makes up for in action. Whatever I asked, she did. She only had to do 275 hours of sweat, and she did 360. From where she’s come from, she’s well-deserving of this home.”
Habitat for Humanity’s program is a unique one. Prospective homeowners, or partner families, are required to volunteer with the organization prior to purchasing their home. In addition to volunteering at least 275 hours, partner families must also attend homeownership courses and save for a downpayment. This partnership helps prepare families to become successful homeowners!
Katherine’s journey and desire for a new, healthy home fit perfectly with Habitat’s vision, which is a world in which everyone has a decent place to live. If you are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner or supporting Habitat’s mission, visit daytonhabitat.org or call 937-586-0860.
