Taking Flight: Cleo’s Path to Homeownership

Taking Flight: Cleo’s Path to Homeownership

Cleo’s 10 year old son always stops to look up whenever an airplane flies overhead. 

“He loves airplanes,” Cleo said. “He doesn’t care where he is, he just wants to stop when he sees an airplane.”

Cleo dreams of giving her son a backyard where he can run and play and stare at the sky for as long as he wants. 

“I would love my kid to have a backyard to play in,” Cleo said. “I can do that. It’s about time.”

To accomplish this, Cleo set her sights on homeownership. She applied to Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program and was drawn to the organization’s warmth and support. 

“It’s the warmth you guys bring,” Cleo said. “You guys make people feel comfortable with asking questions and knowing what needs to get done. I didn’t have this kind of knowledge. Why not go through someone who is helping me along the way and rooting with me? You’re not just trying to get a sale and get a commission. It feels good to have someone who wants it as much as you do.”

Cleo was accepted into the program and is now building a brand new home for her and her son. While she has adult children as well, her 10-year-old will be the only one living in the new home with her. 

“I’m an older parent of a little kid,” Cleo said. “I have adult children but I also have this little guy. He makes me want to do so much more… He lights up my world.”

Volunteers from Zilber, a sponsor of Cleo’s home, raising a wall on site

He inspires her to accomplish more than she thought she could.

“I grew up and was taught you become an adult, pay bills, raise your kids,” Cleo said. “I never knew that this was out there. I always think about what you can’t afford or what you can’t do. You’re not keeping on track if you’re not looking forward to things. It’s been something always on my mind for a couple of years, owning a home. I spend money on other things, why can’t I spend my money on something that is beneficial for us and our future? I can spend my money better and wisely.”

Now that Cleo is actively working to build her own home, she feels more confident than ever.

“I know I can do it,” Cleo said. “I know I can do it and there’s nothing going to stop me. It makes me feel good about things I am doing.”

Although her 10-year-old son doesn’t yet grasp what homeownership means, Cleo knows it will change his life for the better.

“He doesn’t know too much yet,” Cleo said. “He doesn’t understand that this is going to be our home. There is no one living above or next to us. He won’t know until you can show him. He’ll have a bigger room and know this is ours…It’ll mean a lot for him. It’s security and not always having the threat of [needing to move]. It will also encourage my son to be a responsible person if he sees mom being responsible and taking care of things. He can do the same for his family. Maybe this will encourage him to see the benefits of it as he gets older.”

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

Cleo is also excited to make her house feel like home and embrace the community around her. 

“It’s the feeling of calling something your own,” Cleo said. “I guess I just anticipate being happy. It’s been a long time coming. I’m looking forward to having a little housewarming, decorating a beautiful place. I can’t wait to make the community my home. I grew up in a neighborhood in my teens and early 20s. I will be looking to see new faces and encourage a couple of people. This can be you too. It’s not just me, it can be anybody.”

Cleo wasn’t always sure if homeownership was within her reach, but now that she set her mind to it, she is well on her way.

“Sometimes, we just don’t know how to aim,” Cleo said. “It’s always something I’ve dreamed of, a brand new home of my own. It’s the complete package and now I just have to finish it up.”

As she works to finish the program, Cleo envisions her son running around the backyard, pointing at the airplanes above just like he always has, but this time from the place they call home.