“Owning Gives Me Choices”

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. 

“Owning Gives Me Choices”

For DaVontae, homeownership is about building a foundation for the future. This is more than just four walls and roof. Homeownership means building equity. Homeownership means independence. And most importantly homeownership means building a safe, stable place where his young son can grow up. 

DaVontae and his son, Messiah, used to live in an apartment near Hampton and Mayfair Road. He liked the area, but says it reminded him of his college dorm at times. He says that the noise of his neighbors and safety of their building is something that’d become increasingly concerning now that he’s got a son. 

So, DaVontae teamed up with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity to build a brand new, affordable home in Milwaukee’s Midtown neighborhood. On the day construction began, volunteers from Sargento Cheese joined DaVontae to raise the walls of his future home. Sargento CEO, Louie Gentine, was even on site as the company framed their 31st home sponsored in partnership with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity.

With a home of their own, DaVontae envisions a space that will provide him and his son the kind of independence they’re looking for.

“I want {Messiah} to have his own yard where he can run and feel free,” he says. “He’ll have his own space, with room for all his toys.”

DaVontae sees homeownership as a way to build equity for the future. He says that Habitat offers him a path to learn how to become a successful homeowner, something he sees as an investment that will pay off in the future. On average, Milwaukee Habitat homeowners save $36,000 over the course of their mortgage, compared to market rate.

“Owning my own home gives me choices,” he says. “I’ll be able to add value to our home and in the end it’ll truly be ours.”

Watch DaVontae’s Virtual Home Dedication

DaVontae and his son have happily moved in to their new Habitat home. We joined them virtually for a home dedication to celebrate this momentous occasion. Watch it now! You’ll even hear from DaVontae (and Messiah) about how they’re settling in.