Laurel’s Hands-On Path to Stability

Laurel’s Hands-On Path to Stability

Whether it is construction, hair, sports, decorating, school, or work, Laurel and her three sons are always doing something hands-on.

Laurel works as a child care subsidy specialist for the state of Wisconsin and also braids, cuts, and colors hair.  

“I’m a lead, so I work with our workers and they come to me for guidance on policy while assisting our parents,” Laurel said. “I also braid, do hair, do color, and cut. My passion is color and cutting but I do the whole makeover thing from start to finish. I also love interior designing, decorating, cleaning, and construction. I love to work with my hands and put effort into things.”

Her three sons share that passion. Laurel’s 19-year-old son is in school to become a barber, her 16-year-old son is participating in a barbering apprenticeship, and her 11-year-old son is into sports, bike riding, and being outdoors.

When Laurel decided it was time to look for a home, Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program stood out. She applied and is now building a brand-new home for her and her family.

As part of the program, homebuyers complete sweat equity hours where they help build their home and the homes of their neighbors, or volunteer in one of our Milwaukee Habitat ReStores. For Laurel, this was a perfect fit.

“The construction, hands-on volunteer work, it all speaks to me,” Laurel said. 

Beyond the sweat equity aspect, Laurel values the sense of connection and purpose the program brings.

“I’ve always been community based and wanting to help someone and spread knowledge. Get help out there,” Lauren said. “I think you all at Habitat help everyone, people who wouldn’t have an opportunity to buy homes otherwise. That speaks to me as well, the public service. I love that about the program. It’s a part of me.”

Laurel credits her godmother for planting the seed of homeownership early in her life. While she was always inspired by her godmother, bad experiences with landlords also pushed her to become a homeowner.

“My godmother kept instilling it in me,” Laurel said. “They owned a home since I was little and kept instilling it in me. I want to have something for the kids. The climate out here now with landlords, rent is crazy. I’ve had really bad luck with landlords…I’ve had bad experiences with property management. One broke into my home and stole jewelry.”

This house is about more than escaping bad landlords; it’s about creating a life of security and peace for her three boys. 

“This house will mean stability,” Laurel said. “I don’t let them see the struggle. It is just security for them, so they don’t have to worry about me. I try not to let them see any of the struggle, but of course they can see that. You’re their parent; they can see when you’re upset. Being a single parent and taking it on, on my own, I could have a lot of help, but I don’t seek it. I take it on myself, handle it. When you reach out, you get more scrutiny and judgement. I’d rather do it myself and have that security blanket. This is something they don’t have to worry about. One less thing I have to worry about. It is a relief. Relief and peace.”

As Laurel and her sons get closer to moving into their new home, she’s confident she’s building more than a house. She is building a future.

“Everything I put in will come back to us. Everything I put in will return to me. It is the best investment you could possibly do, committing to a home. It is something you can physically touch, grasp, take hold of, and take pride in,” Laurel said.

“I see this new house as peace.”