Rapid City, SD – 2024. Single mom, Sabrina, a Sturgis native who has worked with Black Hills Special Services for almost a decade, had been living in a crowed home with her father and two boys. She knew that for her kids to have a happy and healthy childhood and her father to get some peace and quiet, she needed to establish a home just for them. That dream came true in 2023, and the community came together to celebrate her home dedication.
“Nothing was really happening for me,” Sabrina explained, “I wanted to make some changes. I’d wanted for us to have our own home for a while and was trying to save up for one, but with housing prices like they are, I just couldn’t do it. I’d get approved by the bank, but the loan wouldn’t be enough. I put my application in to Habitat and hoped I’d get chosen. Without Habitat, we wouldn’t have our home.”
To qualify for the Habitat homeowner program, Sabrina proved that she had a need for housing. She proved she met the income eligibility for a home loan. She was willing to put in the 250 hours of sweat equity, contributing to the construction of her home as well as the homes of other Habitat Partner Families. And she was willing to participate in the required educational programs on financial management and home maintenance. Sabrina will make monthly mortgage payments, which will help fund homes for future Partner Families.
Photo Caption:
“It was super amazing putting that last piece and being like ‘Wow, this is my home.’ It makes me appreciate it so much more to see all the work that goes into it.”