Beating a Statistic: Akira Moves In

Beating a Statistic: Akira Moves In

Earlier this year, Akira officially became a homeowner. Every time a Milwaukee Habitat homeowner moves into their home, we host a home dedication celebration. Together with family, friends, coworkers, Habitat staff, volunteers, and sponsors, we celebrate the tremendous milestone of becoming a first-time homebuyer. 

During the dedication, Akira reflected on her journey that led to this moment.

Akira graduated from high school at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her to rethink her plans to attend college away from home. After conversations with her mom and careful consideration of her future, she chose to stay home, pursue her degree, work, and save money. Her goal was to invest in homeownership rather than rent, especially given the rising cost of rent. 

Akira did just that. She earned her associate’s degree in business management from MATC and now works locally as an Accounting Support Specialist. She then took the next step toward her goal by joining Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program, where she helped build her own home and completed financial and home readiness courses. Earlier this year, she moved into her brand-new home, a milestone she worked hard to achieve.

As we celebrated with Akira, she shared a particular moment that inspired her: 

I was scrolling on Tik Tok one day and there was a video that said people in my generation would never really get a chance to own homes until they’re in their late 40s, 50s. So when I found out about the Habitat program I said I might as well do it this way. 

Let’s beat a statistic.

This home is a strong foundation. It’s mine. It’s permanent for me. I have something to my name I can always call mine.

Akira’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and opportunity, the path to homeownership can begin sooner than expected and last for generations to come.