Writing on the Walls

Writing on the Walls

Every year, Mark’s family hosts a meeting. During the last family meeting, Mark’s sister told him:

‘We all own our homes. It’s your turn.’

And that was the beginning of Mark’s homeownership journey. The next step brought him to Milwaukee Habitat.

“She introduced me to Milwaukee Habitat,” Mark said. “She told me to fill out the link. I didn’t think I would get accepted but she convinced me to fill it out and told me God works in mysterious ways.”

Now, Mark is building a brand-new home in partnership with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. He is working to build not just a home, but a better life for himself and his growing family.

“I went to college in welding, graduated top of my class with scholastic honors,” Mark said. “I’m trying to make my life better… I want my life to be successful. I have a child on the way. I’m trying to do everything the right way.”

Soon, Mark is going to be a father, and he knows that this home will create a sense of stability and opportunity he didn’t have as a child.

“To my child, hopefully this home will mean something greater than they can comprehend,” Mark said. “For me, my parents didn’t own a house until I became an adult. I was never able to just express myself. I didn’t have the freedom to do what I wanted. I was never able to make mistakes. Like writing on the wall. 

That’s something I want for my child. You can write on the wall. I might tell you not to, but you can write on the wall and don’t have to worry about a landlord. And that’s the beauty of it. Even if they do write on the wall, they could be an artist.” 

For Mark, homeownership is more than a milestone, it’s a foundation for future opportunity. 

“There are a lot of opportunities that come with owning a home,” Mark said. “I want to own my own business. With owning a home, I think I can accomplish this. I just graduated welding school. I can start my business in my backyard.”

Before starting his business, Mark has another dream for his backyard.

“I want to add a back patio,” Mark said. “I always wanted a blackstone grill. I want to cook breakfast outside on the porch.”

As he looks ahead, Mark is thinking about all that is to come.

“I’m nervous,” Mark said. “I’m happy nervous. Definitely excited. I can’t wait to be able to move my stuff in, buy a new couch and furniture. I can do whatever I want, like decorate. I’m excited.”

Like many first-time homebuyers, he is feeling a range of emotions. More than anything, he is looking forward to the everyday moments his new home will make possible, quiet living without apartment neighbors, freedom from difficult landlords, and the independence he has long dreamed of. Most of all, he is looking ahead to the day he can finally move in and make the space his own.

“Just peace,” Mark said. “The peace will be completely different. The peace will be so calming for me.” 

For Mark, this home is just the beginning, a place where he can begin building his own business. It is also where his child can grow up with stability, opportunity, and the freedom to be a kid, even if that means writing on the walls.