Rooted in Resilience: Johnnie’s Path to Homeownership

Rooted in Resilience: Johnnie’s Path to Homeownership

Johnnie came to Milwaukee from Mississippi as a single mother of four, determined to create a better future for her family. Starting out on government support, she worked hard to build stability by volunteering at her children’s schools, taking any opportunity she could, and eventually landing a food service job with Milwaukee Public Schools. What began as just a few hours a day grew into a long career. Now, Johnnie can proudly say she has worked for MPS for 32 years, and has been a manager for 14 years.

At the same time, she raised four children, all of whom graduated from high school and her daughters went on to college. Her journey is one of resilience and it ultimately led her to the opportunity to become a homeowner.

Johnnie currently lives with one of her daughters and is ready to be on her own. 

“I need my own place,” Johnnie said. “I just think it’s about time for me to move on. My daughter got married four years ago. It’s time for them to be there with their baby and give them a break.”

Her children understand how meaningful this step is for her. One of her daughters, Sam, has been by her side throughout the process.

“Having her own home is a sense of security,” Samantha said. “It’s your own space. It’s yours.”

As Johnnie was searching for apartments, she questioned why she would pay the high cost of renting, when she could invest in a home of her own. 

Through Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program, Johnnie is taking control of her future and building a brand-new home where she can find the financial and physical stability she is looking for. 

“I feel like I can afford this home,” Johnnie said. “Habitat meets people where they are at and have a certain amount of money. It’s awesome. When I was able to get into the program, I was just like ‘I’m ready.’ I’m ready to be on my own. It’s been so long since I’ve been on my own.”

As she continues on this journey, she looks back on what her life looked like when she first moved to Milwaukee. 

“I never thought I’d get this far in life,” Jonnie said. “I never thought I would be making my own money. I didn’t think I’d have money to purchase a home.”

As the moment approaches for Johnnie to move into her new home, her family shares in her excitement.

“I’m definitely going to be real happy,” Johnnie’s daughter Samantha said. “I’ll be so happy you don’t even know what happy looks like.”

Despite her children being thrilled for their mom, Johnnie’s excitement far exceeds theirs.

“I will be overjoyed! I don’t know what to do with myself,” Johnnie said. “I’ll be happy. Cause I’ve got that joy on the inside that nobody can take away.”