Good News Tues. – August 4th

We’re back with another edition of Good News Tues to spread a little joy from our Habitat family to yours. We’re all in this together. Here’s hoping this brings a little light to your day. 

“Welcoming Dominque Home”
At a time when a safe, affordable home is more important than ever before, we’re working hard to help local families in need become first-time homeowners. Dominque and her three children are the latest family to achieve that dream, moving into a brand new four-bedroom home in Milwaukee’s Midtown neighborhood last week. Typically, we hold a private ceremony to dedicate each home upon closing, but due to COVID-19, for the first time you’ll be able to join us virtually for the home dedication! Watch as we celebrate this tremendous accomplishment with Dominque and her family. During the dedication, you’ll even hear from Dominque’s 8-year-old son, Christopher, about what he thinks of his new home.

For Dominque, home ownership is all about her three children: Donta (15), Christopher (8) and Monae (3). Since 2007, Dominque had been renting in a low-income housing complex. Rent is determined based on one’s income, which made it an affordable option for Dominque. However, as her family grew, her low-income apartment lacked the types of things she wanted for her children.

Their 16 unit complex had no yard where her children could go out and play. On top of that, their apartment didn’t have enough space. Dominque was sharing a bedroom with her youngest daughter, Monae.

Dominque says it was tough building a community with her neighbors at their apartment complex. She says that a lot of non-English speaking families live in the complex and it was hard to bridge the language barrier. Through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program, Dominque was able to build relationships with other future homeowners as they worked to build each other’s homes.

Dominque also appreciates that Habitat prepared her to be a successful homeowner through financial education and home maintenance courses. 

“I’m learning to be my own landlord,” said Dominque.

Looking ahead, the first thing Dominque plans to do in her new home is decorate her daughter Monae’s room. All of her children are so excited to have their own rooms. During the virtual dedication, 8-year-old Christopher said of their new home, “It’s like a mansion!”

In addition to the welcomed space, Dominque’s children will know the safety and stability that comes with having a place they can truly call their own.