For Kimberly and her young daughter, the past year has been overtaken by tremendous loss and resilience. Kimberly faced an unexpected tragedy when her husband passed away suddenly last year. Since then, she and their daughter have faced emotional and financial challenges, getting through tough times by reading, watching movies, and swimming together.

In her search for ways to create a stable future for her daughter, Kimberly discovered Habitat for Humanity through social media. She was inspired to apply, motivated by a dream to provide her daughter with a home where she can grow up, and one day, always feel welcome to return. “I want her to have a place she can call home, even when she’s grown,” Kimberly shares.

After losing her husband, Kimberly and her daughter had to rely on family and friends for shelter, and eventually, they moved into an apartment in Sunbury. Though the apartment is comfortable, it comes with a high rent that has left Kimberly cost-burdened and taking on a second job. Working full-time as an assistant manager at a bank and part-time at a gas station, Kimberly strives to make ends meet while fulfilling her responsibilities as a mother. “Every day is a challenge, but paying rent and other bills has been overwhelming,” she says.

The prospect of owning an affordable Habitat home gives Kimberly hope for a brighter future, where she can build financial security, save for her daughter’s college, and even plan their first family vacation. “Owning an affordable home will mean we can enjoy family gatherings, and I might be able to work only one job and spend more time with my daughter,” she explains.

When Kimberly learned that she had been accepted into Habitat’s homeownership program, she felt a sense of honor and gratitude. “It’s an amazing feeling to be part of something so incredible,” she says. Now, Kimberly is eager to begin her journey, completing sweat equity hours to help build her home and support other future homeowners. “Helping build our home and others’ homes is a true blessing. We’re excited to learn all the skills it takes to build a home.”