Together We Build: The Community Behind Alphonso’s New Home

Together We Build: The Community Behind Alphonso’s New Home

As Alphonso’s children explored the place they now call home, a joyful crowd of family, friends, and supporters gathered outside to celebrate a major milestone: the closing of Alphonso’s brand new home. 

This moment was made possible by Alphonso’s determination and hard work, along with his partnership with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. Together with the Habitat community, Alphonso helped build a brand new home for his family. Now, Alphonso has moved in and is embracing life as a proud homeowner. 

Every time a Milwaukee Habitat homeowner moves into their home, we host a dedication celebrating the tremendous accomplishment of becoming a first-time homebuyer. While Alphonso was sharing his experience with those gathered outside, the excited yells of his children echoed from inside the house as they ran around, discovering their new home. 

“They love it,” Alphonso said. “They were happy to get over here and happy to have their own [home].”

Alphonso’s journey with Habitat started when he was just thirteen years old, when he moved into the Habitat home that his mother purchased.

“I saw her do it and how she worked for it,” Alphonso said. “When I had children I figured it would be the safest option. She did it for us and I wanted to do it for my kids too. I think by growing up in a Habitat home, it showed me that I can do a lot more. That home was nice. Everyone used to come over. It made me think outside the box. I couldn’t help but go for it.”

Having grown up in a Habitat house himself, he already understood the quality and value that his home offers. 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).

“I see it as a good investment,” Alphonso said. “It’s not for me; it’s for my kids. Just like my mom did for me. If they don’t have [a place] to go, they will always have a place to stay. [I could] give it to my kids, give them their first starter home.”

Alphonso’s oldest daughter, who is currently sixteen, had been encouraging him to take this step for a while.

“My sixteen year old has been with me for so long,” Alphonso said. “Now she’s excited… It will have a positive effect on her to see that I did something I said I would.”

As Alphonso continues to settle into his new home, he can take comfort knowing that the walls around him were built with the support of the entire Habitat community. From donors and volunteers to fellow homeowners, Alphonso’s home stands as a testament to the power of people coming together.

“I’m thankful for this group because everybody out here played a big important part in this,” Alphonso said. “I’m very grateful for everybody.”

With his family settling inside and supporters around him, the day marked a meaningful milestone for Alphonso. It was a celebration of community, hard work, and the beginning of a new chapter in a place he and his children can now call home.