Faces of Habitat: Welcome Home, Yvangela!
Yvangela is one of our newest homeowners whose story shows how much your life can transform with faith in God, belief in yourself, and the determination to rewrite the narrative. She initially heard about our homeownership program while in a transitional housing program. Not quite ready to journey the road to homeownership, Yvangela set her sights on getting back on her feet and finding stable employment.
Months later, not only did Yvangela find herself on solid ground but gainfully employed at a local hospital. In fact, it was there where she crossed paths with Habitat once again – this time at a tabling event. Seeing this as a sure sign, Yvangela took a leap of faith and applied for the homeownership program.
For Yvangela, home has always been where the heart is. “Coming up, we had a family home. It was the place where we would get together as children, teenagers and young adults,” she recalls. “As time went on, and we grew up, we grew away from having that meeting every year. So, home for me is a place for me and my family to enjoy reunions and have a nice time.”
This is like a dream come true.
– Yvangela
Yvangela’s journey to homeownership was a true testament to her drive and determination. “I never could think past trying to get a home, let alone what all goes into getting the home.” Thinking homeownership was beyond reach, Yvangela nearly disqualified herself. “[Due to] my background, I thought I would never own a home. I thought it was just out of the question. But, when I heard [a Habitat homeowner] speak about Habitat for Humanity, I said I can do that. This is like a dream come true.”
Not only did Yvangela excel in the Habitat Homeownership Program, she discovered a wealth of knowledge – like the value of proper budgeting. “Because of Habitat for Humanity, I know the importance of having money set aside. I want to be able to afford whatever I need in my home.
In June, Yvangela’s determination paid off. She met her goal of becoming a first-time homeowner of a beautiful house in North Baltimore’s Pen Lucy neighborhood. Like Yvangela, many potential homebuyers initially believe they can’t qualify for our homeownership program, and her story shows how important it is to dispel these misconceptions. We could not be prouder of Yvangela’s accomplishments and to call her a Habitat homeowner. Welcome home, Yvangela!
If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner, visit our homeownership page to learn more about the homebuyer process!
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About Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake (www.habitatchesapeake.org) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built more than 770 homes in 18 communities, providing a brighter future for 2,700 children and family members. Homeownership is proven to transform lives – improving health, increasing children’s chances of academic success and offering an opportunity to build wealth across generations. Likewise, homeownership enhances neighborhoods by bringing tangible investment, engaged, long-term residents, rising property values and a sense of community.
