A Pillar of Her Community: Samantha’s Homeownership Journey

A Pillar of Her Community: Samantha’s Homeownership Journey

Samantha considers herself a “behind the scenes” person rather than a leader, but her actions tell a different story. Through her dedication, hard work, and the countless lives she has touched, she has become a pillar of her community and family. Now, as she invests in homeownership, she is not just building a house but creating a space where people can come together, further strengthening the connections she has nurtured.

As a shift lead at Walgreens and a volunteer at an elementary school, Samantha has made her mark on the community. She has worked at Walgreens for 34 years and has volunteered at the elementary school for 18 years. Samantha’s volunteer work includes taking students on field trips, interviewing candidates for open positions, running the parent-teacher organization, organizing fundraisers, and more. 

“Whenever they need me, I’m there,” Samantha said.

Samantha also loves live music and attends as many concerts and festivals as possible during the summer. Due to her passion for music, her work, and her volunteer efforts, she has built strong connections within the community.

“I cannot go anywhere without running into somebody I know,” Samantha said. “I love the familiar. I love familiar faces. I love it.”

Employees from Komatsu, the sponsor of Samantha’s home, volunteering on site

Samantha is also a mother of three adult children and a grandmother. As an involved mother and grandmother, she loves hosting events and bringing the family together.

“I got pictures of the new baby on my phone so much, I need to buy more storage,” Samantha said. “I love bringing family together. I love events. I don’t mind building space. I look forward to that, providing space for them.”

Now, Samantha wants to build a place of her own where her family can gather. She knew of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s Affordable Homeownership program and applied as soon as she decided to purchase a home.

“I came straight to [Habitat],” Samantha said. “This is a whole program, a network. I’ve known about Habitat since it began.”

Samantha was accepted into the program and is now partnering with Milwaukee Habitat to build a brand new home, something she can someday pass on to her children.

“I just want to leave something for the children,” Samantha said. “I want them to have something to fall back on. I’ll pass it along to them. It will be something they have and can also share it. They can have a piece of property or own a home. The future is so uncertain right now, so to be able to have something to call your own, it’ll be something added to their life. I want to add to their life. I want to leave something for them.”

Samantha was drawn to Milwaukee Habitat because of the low interest loans, new construction, and affordability. Home prices in Wisconsin have more than doubled in the past decade and Milwaukee Habitat’s program provides an alternative to the skyrocketing cost of housing in our city (source). The average cost to own a home in Milwaukee is more than $2,300 a month (source). Instead, Milwaukee Habitat’s typical monthly payment to own a brand new home is less than $950.

“It’s not only a home, it’s the program,” Samantha said. “What [Habitat] provides, that helps me. Habitat helps me with the low interest loan…Also, this is a new home. That’s what got me. It’s new. It’s mine. I can do whatever I want and really have my own.” 

For a long time, Samantha has been ready to be a homeowner. She is excited to partner with Milwaukee Habitat to bring her dream to life.

“I took the step and you all gave me the boost that I needed,” Samantha said. 

As a fixture within her community and family, Samantha is now building the stability for herself that she has long provided for others. It will be a home where she can continue to lead, inspire, and witness the lasting impact she has made on those around her.