Stepping into New Territory

Stepping into New Territory

Eche’Alon has been inspiring her family from a young age. As the first amongst her siblings to attend and graduate from college, she set an example for her family. Now, she is taking another step into unknown territory: Eche’Alon is becoming a homeowner. 

Although homeownership is new for Eche’Alon, she is embracing it with determination and excitement. Motivated by her three daughters, Eche’Alon is ready to step into this new chapter.

“I’m thinking about my kids’ futures,” Eche’Alon said. “I want to make sure they have something stable.” 

Working in education for the past six years, Eche’Alon has grown close to her coworkers. One recently bought a home, and another has owned her home for 10 years. Her coworkers encouraged her to look into homeownership, but Eche’Alon wasn’t sure what path to take.

Eche’Alon was familiar with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity because of Facebook posts, people she knew, and Milwaukee Habitat ReStores. One day while teaching summer school, she had extra time and found herself looking at Milwaukee Habitat’s website.

“I signed up for Habitat during that slow time,” Eche’Alon said. 

Employees from Komatsu, the sponsor of Eche’Alon’s home, volunteering on site.

A few months later, she was accepted into the program and is now on her way to becoming a Habitat homeowner. 

As part of Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program, future homeowners complete financial education courses and receive guidance throughout the process. Because of this support, Eche’Alon knew she had found the right fit.

“The patience, the guidance, the financial classes are helping,” Eche’Alon said. 

Right now, Eche’Alon and her three children share a two-bedroom townhouse. The two oldest children, ages 17 and 13, share a room, while Eche’Alon shares a room with her three-year-old daughter. Their Milwaukee Habitat home will have four bedrooms and a basement, providing the space her family needs to thrive. It will also give her daughters social opportunities they weren’t able to have before.

“I took my daughter to see the outside of our future house. Her friend asked if she could [move in] too,” Eche’Alon said with a laugh. “My children can have more friends over, have sleepovers. It’s nice for them to look forward to having friends over.”

They may even add a furry friend to the family.

“My 17-year-old has wanted a dog since she was five,” Eche’Alon said. “I’m excited to get her a dog.”

In the short term, her family will gain new opportunities and experiences. In the long term, this home will provide lasting stability.

“I see this as a good investment because it’s something I will always have. Forever,” Eche’Alon said. “This is something my kids can call forever. When I’m dead and gone, this will stay a family house. It’ll be something [my kids can say] ‘mama did for us.’”

Soon, Eche’Alon and her three daughters will come home to their own rooms, a new furry friend, and the space and stability they have long dreamed of. Through hard work and determination, Eche’Alon is once again stepping into new territory and bringing her daughters with her.