Cameron was working toward homeownership with her husband when he died unexpectedly in 2014. He was 47.

“Becoming a homeowner has been something I’ve strived for, and, with the loss of my husband, I didn’t see it happening any time soon,” said Cameron. In 2018, she decided to apply for homeownership through Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. She was overjoyed to find that she had been approved.

Family is everything to Cameron, who wanted a home of her own for visits with her grandkids. She now has an 8-month-old grandchild and another on the way.

She beams while describing achieving homeownership by herself and for herself—and for the next generations of her family. “I’m showing my kids that from nothing, you can have something,” she said. “I’m not defined by my situation – I am me.”

Cameron is proud of the role her children played in her journey. Her youngest son, who is about to graduate from high school, helped on the build site and hopes to continue volunteering with Habitat Orlando & Osceola. Her youngest daughter, at age 11, isn’t yet old enough to help on the construction site. “So I told her that she can help by keeping her grades up. My baby is an A student!” Cameron shared proudly.

She has big plans for the home she closed on May 6. “When I move into my new house, I’m going to bake a pie with the windows open and set it on the windowsill,” she said when asked how she will celebrate homeownership.

She looks forward to having her own garden in her backyard and a space for her dog, Luna, to play. She already found the perfect place to create a memory wall to honor her husband.

Even before moving into her home, Cameron was building community in Arbor Bend. She looks forward to tea time with Jessica and her daughter, game night with Tifton, and a community cookout with her neighbors.

She smiled while reflecting, “This is my dream I’m living – my American dream.”

She thanks the Habitat Orlando & Osceola team for their support throughout her journey, especially the Homeownership Services team for their kind and welcoming spirits, and the Construction team for being so patient on the build site.

“I’m a homeowner. That is a good feeling.”

Welcome home, Cameron!


Homeownership dreams like Cameron’s come true through the generosity of donors just like you. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live – and you can help. Please consider donating today.