Creating a Stable Home for Her Family
At Central Valley Habitat for Humanity, we believe every family deserves a safe, stable place to call home. For Shea, a single mother to her 12-year-old daughter Lyla, this belief became a life-changing reality.
Shea’s story begins with uncertainty. Growing up frequently moving, she was determined to break the cycle for her daughter. When she learned about our homeownership program through her work at a local nonprofit, she applied despite doubts. “One misconception I had about Habitat going into the program were that you know you had to be homeless; there was certain types of people who qualify for these homes, but that wasn't the case and I didn't know that until I applied," she recalls.
What are the Initial Qualifications for Applicants?
Our mission—to help low-income families achieve affordable housing—is rooted in inclusivity and partnership. As Shea discovered, the journey begins by meeting a few initial qualifications. To apply, individuals must be either a permanent resident or a citizen of the United States and must have lived in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County for at least one year. Applicants should also be willing to submit to a credit check, have a source of income, and be ready to partner with Habitat by contributing to the work on their future home.
Paving the Way with Sweat Equity
Shea’s acceptance into the program marked the start of a 2.5-year journey. Just as with any Habitat home, sweat equity, where families contribute hours toward their home or community projects, is crucial. For Shea and Lyla, this meant helping on the construction site, volunteering at our ReStore, and assisting at other Habitat events. From financial literacy classes to hands-on construction training, the program equipped Shea with tools to succeed. Today, Shea’s home is filled with dreams of family gatherings, holiday memories, and the quiet joy of a child’s laughter in a permanent space.
