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For Ranee and her family, becoming homeowners isn’t just about owning a house—it’s about coming home. As this year’s Women Build homebuyer, Ranee is returning to her roots in the Edgemont community where she grew up. After moving away as a young adult to build a life for herself, she is now coming full circle, ready to plant lasting roots in the place where it all started.

Ranee’s journey is one of determination. She has been on her own since she was 19, working tirelessly to create a better future. She put herself through tech-associate school while balancing life’s many challenges. Once she sets her mind to something, she follows through. Today, she finds fulfillment in her career as a medical assistant, a role that allows her to help others.

Giving back is second nature to Ranee. Throughout her time in Habitat’s program, she has found joy in helping others achieve their homeownership dreams. One of her most rewarding experiences was building a closet for another partner family’s home, knowing that her work was making a lasting impact. 

As a devoted mother of five, Ranee has faced her share of challenges. The family’s current living situation has been far from ideal, with safety concerns preventing her younger children from freely playing outside. Every trip outdoors requires constant vigilance, making it difficult for them to enjoy playtime. But all of that is about to change.

With the help of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton, Ranee’s dream of homeownership is becoming a reality. Her new home will provide her family with the safety, stability, and space they need to thrive. Her children are overjoyed at the prospect of having their own rooms. For Ranee, the excitement comes in the little things like the ability to paint her own walls.

Though she admits to feeling a bit nervous about becoming the first homeowner in her family, Ranee is confident in her ability to succeed. Dayton Habitat’s homeownership classes have equipped her with valuable knowledge, and she has even passed some of those lessons down to her children!

Ranee’s story is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and support. As she prepares to step into her new home, she does so with gratitude, excitement, and the unwavering belief that this is just the beginning of a brighter future for her and her family.