“We’ve had a home to grow up in. To make friends in. To thrive in. Staying in the same place has made us more secure.” – Katie H.
Katie and Michael have been Habitat homeowners for 13 years. From raising their four children to building their savings, owning their own home has given them the freedom to pave their own path. But it wasn’t always this way.
Prior to becoming homeowners, Katie and Michael were living paycheck to paycheck.
“When our two youngest were little, we had to budget down to the last two dollars to make sure we had enough for rent,” said Katie.
While at first it was similar when moving to their Habitat home, after a year, they had an extra $50 a month they could put into savings.
“We were so excited. It was huge because we never had any money to put into savings because it was all going to our everyday living expenses. And because we had such an affordable mortgage, we could put a little more over time. I remember saying ‘wow, we can put money into savings,’ and it was the best feeling in the world because we finally had a secure living situation.”
Through their affordable Habitat home, focus could be moved from everyday finances to larger financial goals.
“We’ve been able to put money aside to help with our kids’ college. We have been able to donate money to causes that are necessary. When we've had people who had a problem that could be fixed within a couple hundred dollars, that is something…we can help with,” said Katie.
While the impact of homeownership is profound in the present, its effects reverberate through generations, laying the foundation for a legacy of stability and prosperity. For Katie and Michael, their Habitat home isn't just a place to live—it's a cornerstone in their journey toward building generational wealth.
Owning a home has empowered the Hobsons to break free from the cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck living, providing them with the financial breathing room needed to secure their family's future. With each passing year, their affordable mortgage allows them to allocate more resources toward savings, a crucial step in accumulating wealth that can be passed down to future generations.
Beyond immediate financial gains, homeownership has afforded the Hobsons the opportunity to invest in their children's education—an investment that promises to yield returns for generations to come. By setting aside funds for their kids' college education, they're not just ensuring their children's success but also laying the groundwork for a brighter future for their descendants.
Moreover, their Habitat home has become more than just a dwelling—it's a stable anchor in a sea of uncertainty. By staying rooted in the same neighborhood, the Hobsons have provided their children with a sense of continuity and belonging, offering them the stability needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This sense of stability isn't just a gift for the present generation but a legacy that will continue to benefit their family for years to come.
On top of financial freedom, a Habitat home has also given the Hobson family a space that is stable.
“I bounced around from town to town and home to home,” said Katie. “It's very nice for me to watch my kids go through the same teachers and have the same neighborhood all because we have stayed in the same place, and we have put down roots.”
In fact, their neighborhood has been the key contributor in not up sizing their home, keeping their roots firmly planted.
“Our home is great but I’m most thankful for our neighborhood,” said Katie. “Our neighbors on either side are Habitat homeowners and we have such a nice, safe, little neighborhood. Like when my kids were little, and if they were doing something they weren’t supposed to, I heard about it. My kids have always known where they could go if they needed help. It has been so amazing to have a community and have a little neighborhood where my kids were important and where we’re important and our neighbors are important, and we ended up in this wonderful little bubble of amazing people.”
When asked what affordable housing meant to their family, Katie and Michael were nearly at a loss for words.
“Gosh, I mean it means everything,” said Katie. It means people can have safety and a community. Housing gives families security, and they need that so much.”
As the Hobsons reflect on the significance of affordable housing for their family, it becomes clear that its value transcends mere shelter. Affordable housing isn't just about bricks and mortar—it's about laying the groundwork for a future where families can thrive, where opportunities abound, and where the cycle of poverty is broken once and for all.
Through their Habitat home, the Hobsons are not just building a better life for themselves but sowing the seeds of generational wealth that will enrich their family for generations to come.