Brandi
“I know that I’m leaving something for my children.”
For Brandi’s sons, Brysen (11) and Brixson (5), their new Habitat home means they will have a safe place to play. For Brandi, it means a legacy.
Brandi is a strong, hard-working woman and mother to two wonderful boys who have been her motivation to achieve stability and comfort through homeownership.
She’s been in Habitat’s homeownership program since November 2020. She admits that she got off to a slow start. Juggling a new career path, two young children, and sweat-equity hours was difficult for her at first. She was devoting every Saturday to Habitat and feeling overwhelmed by such a busy schedule.
“I was so close to giving up,” she said. “But I kept praying and God said, ‘I didn’t bring you this far to leave you.’ So I pushed myself and I’m here, so close.”
Right now, Brandi is renting a two-bedroom house. She describes it as “condensed”, with her two boys sharing a bedroom. On top of not having their own rooms, Brysen and Brixson have very little room to play outside. Brandi warns them to stay inside a small designated play area between the front porch and the car in the driveway. With such limited yard space, Brandi worries about her kids playing near a busy road.
Brandi’s new lot is set on a quiet street with a yard and woods to explore. She said her oldest son is so excited that he wants to drive by the property every day. “Every day he wants to look at that land,” she said. “He doesn't care if it’s just dirt.”
Brandi is in the preparation stages of construction on her brand new Habitat home. Her excitement is growing by the day and there is no hiding it. She’s the kind of person who counts each and every one of her blessings. From the dirt that covers her construction site to the lessons she’s learned during sweat equity, she’s grateful for all of it.
She describes the confidence that Habitat has instilled in her. “I have experienced so much with Habitat and I’ve learned a lot,” she said. “I have been highly educated in my financial classes.” She is proud to say that since being in Habitat’s program, her credit score has increased by 45 points and counting. She truly feels capable of handling her finances and ready to take on the responsibility of homeownership.
Habitat homes are often in the same neighborhood. Our partners can become neighbors and even good friends while working closely with one another throughout the program. “I’ve made a ton of friendships through the Habitat program…The homeowners now, some of the future homeowners, even the neighbors that I’ll have,” Brandi said. “Everybody at the administrative office, at the ReStore, I’ve made so many friends.”
Many Habitat homeowners express such a passion for the program that they wish to continue volunteering long after their home dedication, and Brandi is one of them. “I can’t wait to help another future homeowner,” she beamed. “I really hope Habitat grows. I want it to be so big. I want everybody to have their own home.”
Brandi also gave thanks for supporters and volunteers. “Everyone that helps with building these homes, it would be very hard to build without you,” she said. “Thank you for all your support and donations. You are appreciated.”
Watch her video interview here. If you’ve been inspired to help Brandi and future Habitat homeowners like her, we encourage you to visit our give page. Every dollar is recognized and appreciated as it impacts the lives of those whose stories we tell.