From Rental Homes to Her Own Front Door

From Rental Homes to Her Own Front Door

Although Rhonda grew up in houses, they were always rentals, and homeownership was rarely discussed in her family. It was not until a series of life events, some joyful and others challenging, opened her eyes to the value of having a home to truly call her own. 

Rhonda has lived in Wisconsin for many years and moved to Milwaukee nearly two years ago. While working in health information management, she also enjoys designing t-shirts and bags as a creative side business. Outside of work, she is very close to her son and grandson, treasuring the time she spends with them. Family is deeply important to her and always on the front of her mind. 

Rhonda was very close to her grandmother and spent much of her childhood with her. When her grandmother passed away, Rhonda faced a harsh reality: the home filled with cherished memories wasn’t theirs to keep. It went back to the landlord, making Rhonda realize the importance of homeownership. 

“It made me think about homeownership,” Rhonda said. “Her home went back to the owner. I would ride past it and see other people there. I never thought about homeownership until she passed and it wasn’t talked about in our family.”

A few years ago, Rhonda’s best friend purchased a home, and Rhonda watched her journey unfold every step of the way. 

“Watching her go through that, I was so excited for her,” Rhonda said. “People were celebrating that she purchased a home. I want that.”

Rhonda spent time browsing homes on Zillow and Apartment.com while learning about homeownership programs in Wisconsin. When Rhonda moved to Milwaukee nearly two years ago, her mom sent her information about City of Milwaukee Housing Resources. This prompted her to attend a housing educational course, which ultimately led her to Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity.

During the course, Rhonda met a woman building a home through Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program who encouraged her to apply. This inspired Rhonda to watch Youtube videos of Habitat homeowners moving into their homes and to mention the program when she met with the City of Milwaukee Housing Resources staff. The staff member made a phone call and by the end of the day, Rhonda was connected with Milwaukee Habitat. She applied and was accepted into the program.

That’s when Rhonda’s excitement about homeownership truly began to grow.

“I know it’s going to feel great [to be a homeowner],” Rhonda said. “It’s going to feel like a blessing. It’s already a great feeling. I know it’s going to be a word bigger than great. It’s been great since I’ve been approved.”

Together with Milwaukee Habitat, Rhonda is building a brand new home that she can someday pass down to her son and his family.

“I can leave something to my son,” Rhonda said. “Maybe he can pass it down to his son. It’s something to feel like it’s yours.”

Rhonda’s grandson will have his own room in her new home.

“I usually have him over for the summertime,” Rhonda said. “I usually get him for Christmas. If I’m in the house by summer, he’ll be there. He’s always had his own room in my house.”

Raised in rental properties with little exposure to homeownership, Rhonda is now shaping a new future for her family. She is building and purchasing a lasting home, one that will provide a strong foundation for her family for generations to come. 

“I’m thinking I’m going to be very proud of myself when I get the keys,” Rhonda said. “I can’t explain what feeling it is going to be. The feeling is so great now. It’s a goal I set out to do and I’ve accomplished it.”