A Home for Pools, Bikes, and Ice Cream

A Home for Pools, Bikes, and Ice Cream

“I picture my daughter in the backyard pool or in her room dancing,” Jenniel said. “I see my son on the water slide or inside gaming.”

Jenniel has long dreamed of a home where this vision is a reality for her family. However, in their current living situation, it isn’t safe for her children to have that kind of freedom.

“I want to get out of that environment,” Jenniel said. “There’s a lot of violence there. The kids can’t play because of what goes on in the neighborhood.”

When she came across an advertisement for Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program, Jenniel applied. Now, she is building a brand-new home for her family where they can finally feel comfortable. 

“My kids will feel safer,” Jenniel said. “They will be able to ride bikes up and down the street and play in the backyard without worrying.”

Through the program, first-time homebuyers can build a brand-new home with little-to-no down payment and an average mortgage payment of less than $950/month. 

“I appreciate the financial piece of the program. Why would I pay that much for rent if I can pay to own?” Jenniel said. “Also being able to have a newly constructed home. With a new home in this program, you know what went into it.”

As the reality of homeownership sinks in, her kids are busy imagining their new space. Currently they are debating who will claim the bigger room in their future home.

“They are so excited. They are arguing over who gets the bigger room,” Jenniel said. “My son’s chief complaint is that ‘I’m going to be a teenager and I’m going to be a growing boy so I need more room.’ My daughter says ‘since I’m going to be a growing girl, I need to put a vanity somewhere.’ I tell them this is the deal, you need to agree on this. Rock, paper, scissors if you don’t.”

No matter who wins the bigger room, both kids will gain something even more meaningful. For many in this country, homeownership has been a driver for generational wealth creation. U.S. homeowners have an average net wealth that is 400% higher than that of renters with similar demographics and earnings (source). 

“It’s something for me to leave for my kids,” Jenniel said. “It’s something for them to have and say ‘we grew up in this house’.” 

As they grow up in the house, Jenniel looks forward to nights on the porch eating their favorite foods and enjoying the comforts of homeownership.

“I’m looking forward to sitting on the porch eating ice cream,” Jenniel said. “Kopps ice cream and fries. One of the kids gets chocolate and one gets vanilla and we dip the fries in it. I get turtle, or butter pecan.”

For Jenniel, homeownership means safety and stability. Soon, her children will be riding bikes, playing in the backyard, and enjoying everyday moments like ice cream on the porch in their new home.