Monica’s Piece of the Pie

Monica’s Piece of the Pie

Monica has spent years pouring herself into her children and career. As a mother of three daughters and a long-time employee at an engineering company, she has focused on providing for her family and building a career. Now that her daughters are getting older, Monica has decided it’s time to invest in herself. Her goal: become a homeowner.

“I haven’t been able to dive into myself yet,” Monica said. “Homeownership is worth it. I’m worth it.” 

Once Monica set her mind to becoming a homeowner, nothing was going to get in her way.

“There’s really nothing that’s stopping us from achieving our dreams and desires except us,” Monica said. “I deserve a piece of the pie, the cake, cookies, strudels, and more of the pie.”

To accomplish that goal, Monica came to Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program. In the program, first-time homebuyers can build a brand new home with little-to-no down payment and an average mortgage payment of less than $950/month.

Growing up, Monica witnessed her mother’s struggles to raise children as a single parent and pay rent. This motivated her to look at her own finances and to become financially independent as she grew up. Her hard work paid off as she was accepted into the program and is now partnering with Milwaukee Habitat to build a new home for herself and her children.

“I think this home will be an inspiration to my children,” she said. “My oldest daughter is in a real estate class and she is learning so much. I’m so proud of her. This home will give them motivation and inspiration. It was hard to raise them as a single mother and what information I know, I can share if they ever want to become homeowners. They’re knowledgeable and can come to me for my advice.”

As she builds her new home, she anticipates the pride she will feel when it is complete.

“This home will give us more sense of pride,” Monica said. “Just to know something is yours, you put more pride and energy into it and care about surroundings more. I want it to look nice and be presentable. I’m going to take care of my home like a newborn baby.”

To Monica, Milwaukee is more than just where she lives; it’s home. 

“I love Milwaukee,” Monica said. “I have rooted my girls here. Whether they stay or not, this can be something I can will to them.”

Beyond the long-term opportunity of passing down the home to her children, she is excited about the immediate impact it will have on her life. 

“[Moving in] will be like a breath of fresh air. Paying rent to someone is draining. Homeownership is an investment to put into myself,” Monica said. “I’m going to save money… It will be incredible.” 

As part of the Habitat program, homebuyers contribute by helping build their home and the homes of their neighbors or volunteering at Milwaukee Habitat ReStores. Monica is eager to take part in this hands-on experience.

Employee from Milwaukee Tool, the sponsor of Monica’s home, volunteering on site

“I feel great [about spending time on site],” Monica said. “Actually when I was younger, I wanted to become a carpenter. I thought it was interesting to see something come to life. I’m really looking forward to learning all of the new things.”

Becoming a Milwaukee Habitat homeowner is a milestone Monica is proud to reach, and she recognizes the program’s impact on the city.

“Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity is like a main staple,” Monica said. “I’ve heard about it for quite a while. It’s a household name. If you’re from Milwaukee, you have heard of Habitat. Everybody should know.”

Monica’s dedication and determination is unwavering, and she has never been afraid to accomplish what once seemed impossible. 

“Everyday we wake up is a day to accomplish something that didn’t even seem fathomable,” Monica said.

As she builds alongside Milwaukee Habitat, she’s embracing the experience with the same determination that got her here. She knows this home isn’t just walls and a roof; it’s her well-earned piece of the pie, cake, cookies, strudels, and more.