Machelle is the hard-working mother of four and grandmother of four. Two of her children and one of her grandchildren will be sharing her new home with her. The four of them love spending time together. Currently, Machelle is working two jobs as a CNA- a certified nursing assistant. She loves her patients and wants to do everything she can for them. She has been a CNA for over twenty years.
Currently, Machelle and her family rent a small two bedroom house. There isn’t even room for a table where the family can sit down for meals together. Also, the ten-year-old has environmental allergies, and as a renter, she cannot control all the things that cause him problems. The hardwood floors in her Habitat home will help with that. They are really looking forward to having their own home.
Machelle wondered if she would ever be able to own a home, but she was determined. She knew that Habitat would be her best chance, but she still had her doubts. She had first applied a few years ago but was turned down. Her good friend, a current Habitat owner, encouraged her to apply again. This time, she was accepted. She was thrilled, but the look on her kids’ faces when she told them was even more thrilling.
The whole Habitat experience has been such a learning experience. She feels as if she is prepared to take care of a home and do basic repairs because she knows what has gone into building it. She says that she knows every wall that has gone up and every one she helped paint. It has been extremely tough at times– taking care of her kids and working two jobs, in addition to taking Habitat classes and completing her 300 hours of sweat equity. But knowing the end result keeps her motivated.
She absolutely loves the Core Crew. They have made both her and her daughter, who helps her on builds, feel so comfortable. Her daughter has started thinking about construction as a career. They both love being on the job sites.
This will be the first time that Machelle will have “a place that she can call her own.” For the first time, her son will be able to invite his friends over for a slumber party. She will have the space to invite friends and family over for meals together at their own table. Most of all, owning this home will provide stability for her and her children. She will own a home that will be passed on to them.
“This journey has been a wonderful experience. To everyone who has made this possible, I want to tell them that I couldn’t have done this without them. I appreciate everything.”