Read the story of Ellen Hill, a committed volunteer and supporter whose legacy of giving lives on through the impact of the generous donation of her two-bedroom home, which she bequeathed to Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley in her will.
Becoming a Habitat homeowner means the world to Alondra, especially now that her children have a safe place to play and build lasting memories.
Now that Alondra is settling into her new Habitat for Humanity home, she loves walking to the nearby park with her children, 18-year-old Sindy, 12-year-old Andrea and 9-year-old Jayden. Having a recreation area where the children can play is priceless, and it’s good for Alondra too.
“We can do physical activities here. Walk, run, things like that,” Alondra says. “I think we will be healthier.”
Before moving into their Habitat home, Alondra, a community health worker, and her family lived in an unsafe neighborhood. Noisy gatherings in their apartment complex kept the children from studying.
Alondra wanted to become a homeowner, but she couldn’t find a decent home that she could afford. That’s when she remembered the advice of a co-worker who had built their home with Habitat. “She told me about Habitat years ago, but suddenly when I was in a point that I was like, ‘Something has to change.’ I don’t know why or how, but I remember her word saying, ‘Apply,’” Alondra says.
Once she was approved for the homeownership program, Alondra poured her heart and soul into helping to build her Habitat home alongside volunteers. And when her children finally walked through the home for the first time, Alondra says it was “so emotional” seeing their faces light up with excitement as they chose their new rooms.
“It’s a good investment for our family,” Alondra says.
In their Habitat home, Sindy, Andrea and Jayden have an entertainment area where they play games and watch movies. They also have more space to get their studies done and access to better schools. The stability that their home and the surrounding community provide gives Alondra peace.
“Homeownership means to me that now I’m going to be having a house for myself, not worrying my rent will go up, and then if my kids will have a safe place to be,” Alondra says. “Now it will be a house for us. Now I know the neighbors, so I know that this will be a safe place for us to build memories.”
Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford discusses how former President Carter volunteered to boost the organization’s profile.
Research conducted on behalf of Habitat for Humanity shows that adequate housing is a powerful catalyst for well-being and sustainability.
Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford tells CBS News about former President Carter’s work with the nonprofit organization.
Read about how we’re helping to shape affordable housing policies in the U.S.; learn more about our sustainable housing solutions; follow the lasting legacy of a devoted supporter who gifted her home to Habitat; and more.
