Reflecting on 2024 with Alexis

Reflecting on 2024 with Alexis

As we wrap up 2024, we are filled with gratitude for those who have helped shape our mission to bring affordable homeownership to local families. Looking back on the year, we are thankful for the impactful moments that define our work – moments like celebrating the transformative journeys of Habitat homeowners. One of the many highlights of 2024 was Alexis’s home dedication, where she shared her heartfelt story of resilience, family, and finding a sense of wholeness in her new home.

Every time a Milwaukee Habitat homeowner moves into their home, Milwaukee Habitat organizes a home dedication celebration. Shortly after Alexis moved in, we celebrated her amazing accomplishment surrounded by family, friends, supporters, and more. She shared:

“To [my kids], it’s the space. My kids have been very appreciative since we’ve been here. 

From the first day I got the keys and they walked in, my daughter said ‘Mom, I just need a bedroom set.’ And then the next day after they got out of school, she got a bedroom set.

I couldn’t tell you how thankful I am to get the help that I needed to provide for my kids and see the smiles on their faces to them running down to the basement then to the first floor. 

They’re so happy to even have a backyard. It’s cold outside but they still wanna go outside. 

My oldest said ‘Mom I’m chilling; I got my own room. Me and my little brothers, we good.’

It’s the smiles.

The first time I spent the night over here I cooked breakfast for my kids and was able to sit at a table with them while we ate breakfast. That was a wonderful feeling. I felt like family. You know you’re family and you have your kids, but I felt whole. That’s a different type of feeling to feel whole. 

I felt comfortable and my kids were okay. That’s a different feeling. 

Thank you guys so much. 

It hasn’t been an easy road. What kept me motivated through this process [was my mom].

The first year she passed, I didn’t grieve. I just focused on work. The second year hit hard. It was coming to anniversary time and I was crying. 

So with everything I do, I think about my mother. It made me go harder than I ever worked before. Cause I knew that I had to finish a deed that I wanted to complete for her. 

I feel more at peace with her passing. I feel complete now. I did what my mother asked. I’m better now.”