Shericka’s Dream of Family and Stability 

Shericka’s Dream of Family and Stability

Shericka’s dream is clear: a home of her own filled with family.

She envisions a future with children, filling a home with joy and stability. She believes that becoming a homeowner is the first big step in building the foundation for that future.

Shericka surrounds herself with her extended family and is inspired by the homeowners among them.

“My grandmother owns her own home,” Shericka said. “Seeing her be a homeowner, I was always asking questions. I have an uncle who owns his own home. Seeing the process of decorating his own home and putting in his own flooring and cabinets, that got me going.”

Shericka has known for years that she wanted to become a homeowner, but wasn’t ready to take that step until recently. That changed when she came across information on Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program.

“I heard about [Habitat] years ago,” Shericka said. “I have a friend, she told me about it as she was going through the program. I didn’t feel like I was ready yet. [A while later], I was scrolling on Facebook and saw the opportunity to apply. I sat there for a minute and then I actually applied. That’s how I got started.”

Now, Shericka is partnering with Milwaukee Habitat to build the foundation for her family. She is building a brand new, three bedroom home that she will soon call her own.

“Family is the goal,” Shericka said. “This home will be the start to having something like that. It will mean stability, a safe environment. I will have a backyard so they can play outside.”

Beyond creating a space to build her family, Shericka is looking forward to making her house feel like home. 

“I love to decorate,” Shericka said. “I’m really excited about what I’m going to do with the basement. I’m already looking at things for the living room and kitchen. I’m thinking about becoming a content creator about organization. I watch home improvement shows and will probably make a movie area…I can go outside and plant plants, sit on the porch, and put up a privacy fence if I want. There is so much I can do to a home I own. It will feel good to know it’s mine.” 

Before Shericka decorates her home, she will help build it. As part of her partnership with Milwaukee Habitat, she will complete sweat equity hours, working on her own home, assisting with neighbors’ homes, or volunteering at Milwaukee Habitat ReStores.

Volunteers from Johnson Controls, the sponsor of Shericka’s home, working on site.

“I’m excited about the sweat equity building and seeing a home start to finish,” Shericka said. “I will see the process and know how to do it.”

As Shericka starts building her home, she looks forward to the opportunity it will provide her family.

“I will have something to leave behind,” Shericka said. “It’s going to mean starting some generational wealth. You hear about a lot of people having homes and passing it down to kids, or maybe buying another home… Not a lot of people own their own home, especially with rates right now. It will be a big accomplishment when I’m owning my own home.”

Owning her home is just the beginning. Shericka’s homeownership journey is one of determination, love, and a legacy that will last generations to come.