For future homeowner Joelle, owning her own home is a coming-of-age accomplishment – a rite of passage.

“It’s a personal accomplishment for myself as a woman to be able to do things for myself and by myself,” Joelle said.

This single mom of two partnered with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County last year. A build date is in sight for her new safe and affordable home thanks to generous local builders.

Joelle’s home will be constructed during the 2020 Builders Blitz by HGR Construction, one of six local builders who will each construct a home within five days during the event.

Joelle was amazed when she learned about this annual event.

“It’s really nice that they do philanthropic things like that,” Joelle said. “It says a lot of the people who do that.”

Joelle said her path to homeownership has been an “emotional journey.” She has regularly wondered, “Can I set one more thing on my plate?”

Future homeowners partner with Habitat Orlando & Osceola, agreeing to commit to completing 200-400 sweat equity, or volunteer, hours along with 17 homeownership classes.

Joelle enjoyed working at Habitat’s build sites. She enjoys seeing how things are built – and learning new skills. Much of the new information she learned, however, was found at a different Habitat partnership requirement: homeownership classes.

“It was eye opening that homeownership is a big responsibility at the end of the day,” Joelle said.

Joelle has learned to have blinders on, focused on the end goal: homeownership.

Her advice to other future homeowners correlates with this: “Keep an open mind and if that’s something that you have in your heart, go for it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Her two young daughters help her focus. She wants to give them a place of their own, a yard – “the things they deserve as children.”

Owning her own home will give her daughters a blueprint of sorts, Joelle said.

“I feel like it’s just going to show them that it’s doable,” she said. “Anything is possible if that what they want, they can achieve it.”

We want to make sure all Osceola County and Greater Orlando residents have a safe, affordable place to call home. Learn how you can help by visiting our Get Involved page.