“If You Really Want It, You Can Do It:” Carmen’s Story
Twenty years ago, Carmen partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (formerly Millcreek Habitat) to build and buy her home. After struggling with privacy and safety in apartments, and living with her mother, she knew she needed a change. “I was at the time in my life where I said, ‘It’s time to get a home,’” shares Carmen. “Gotta get a house. Whatever it takes.”
Carmen was selected for Habitat’s homeownership program after her aunt surprised her by filling out an application on her behalf. “When I was accepted, I couldn’t believe it,” says Carmen. She knew how lifechanging this opportunity would be for her and her son, Carmez, who was 12 years old at that time. Carmen said Carmez was “through the roof excited” about building and moving into their new home.
Building her own home and working on two other Habitat homes being built around the same time was an empowering and unforgettable experience. Carmen’s family and her church’s pastor came out to help her work on her home and earn sweat equity. “People really supported me and were so happy for me,” shares Carmen. Carmen’s home was also built as part of the Women Build initiative. “It was a better experience because I was with women like me,” says Carmen. Working alongside women to help build her own home filled her with so much pride and joy. “Just to know that I helped put nails and walls in... It’s an experience that you really learn for a lifetime,” says Carmen.
Once her home was complete, her pastor came back out to bless her home and then she finally got the keys. “Of course, I cried [when I got the keys]. I couldn’t believe that this house was mine,” remarks Carmen. “It’s a dream come true. I had been wanting to be a homeowner. It was one of my goals I wanted to reach in life and I finally reached that. It’s amazing.” She was ready to build a better future for Carmez and herself.
Throughout the 20 years spent in her home, she watched Carmez grow up and go on to graduate high school and become the man he is today. Carmez still visits often bringing his children, Carmen’s grandchildren, to his former home. The kids occasionally spend the night, and Carmen has even kept Carmez’s room intact – just in case he ever needs it. Her home is also a go-to gathering place for family during the holidays. Carmen loves having the space to cook great meals in her kitchen or even grill outside.
Carmen’s home has been a peaceful sanctuary and a wonderful space to create lifelong memories. After 20 years in her home, Carmen has successfully paid off her mortgage and is excited about the financial freedom that provides. “Not having to pay [my mortgage], I can focus on things I’ve been wanting to do,” shares Carmen. She hopes to make some small improvements to her home, like upgrading her carpets and repairing her shed. She also loves spending time in her garden tending to the plants Habitat planted all those years ago and the ones she’s added along the way.
Habitat for Humanity changed Carmen’s life in ways she never thought possible. “That’s never something that I thought that I could do,” she remarks. “I’m so thankful that there were affordable homes so that I wouldn’t be struggling.” Carmen encourages others to take the chance she did and apply. “If you really want it, you can do it,” she says. “Don’t give up. It’s going to get tough, you’re going to go through some things, but if you really put your mind to it, you can do anything.” Carmen understands the power of homeownership and is grateful to the community of donors and volunteers that helped her achieve her dream. “Thank you so much because you made the opportunity for me to get where I am today.”
