Where Stars Shine: Theresa’s New Home

Where Stars Shine: Theresa’s New Home

Soon, Theresa’s grandson will walk into a bedroom where planets and stars shine from the ceiling, and he’ll know it’s his.

Theresa’s 9-year-old grandson spends a lot of time with her and has a room in her current two-bedroom rental. But that room, like the rest of the apartment, comes with limitations. Because of renting restrictions, the space doesn’t fully reflect the love and dreams Theresa has for her family.

That’s all about to change.

In partnership with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, Theresa is building a brand-new three-bedroom home, a place where she’ll have the stability and freedom to finally make a space her own. And more importantly, a home that her grandson and future grandchildren can always return to. 

Employees from Sargento, the sponsor of Theresa’s home, volunteering on site

“Homeownership is a sense of pride,” Theresa said. “This is mine. I can call it my own.”

Theresa knows what that pride feels like; she grew up with it. Her parents were homeowners, and she’s always dreamed of passing down that same legacy of security and stability to her family. But in recent years, that dream felt out of reach. The housing market overwhelmed her. Prices were higher than she could afford, and even homes that caught her eye came with costs that far exceeded her current rent.

“I saw houses I liked. I saw fencing I liked,” Theresa said. “But the prices were just too much. More than what I’m paying now. When I saw the price of a Habitat for Humanity home, and that it’s brand new, I knew that’s what I wanted.”

Now, she’s building that home and her vision for it is full of love and imagination. She’s especially excited about creating a place for her grandson, who is fascinated by outer space. She plans to decorate his room with glowing stars and hanging planets, a cosmic getaway made just for him. And in this home, that space will be permanent.

“If I have other grandchildren, they’ll have a place at Nana’s house too,” Theresa said.

For Theresa, this home means more than ownership; it’s an opportunity, a fresh chapter, a foundation for generational wealth, peace of mind, and lasting memories.

“I’ve been spending so much money on rent. That’s money I can never get back,” Theresa said. “I’m limited in what I can do with it. But now, in my own space, I can do whatever I want because it’s mine.”

Theresa is looking forward to filling her new home with the things she loves: a garden in the yard, Bible studies, BBQs, game nights, and family gatherings that bring everyone together.

“This is my opportunity to create a home filled with love and legacy,” Theresa said. “A place of gratitude, satisfaction, happiness, and stability.”

And it’s all possible because of her determination and commitment to pursuing her homeownership dream with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity.