2011 Annual Appeal

Dear Friends of Habitat,

Thanks to the support of Habitat for Humanity, I’m a homeowner here in Montgomery County. I’ve been asked to share my thoughts about the importance of having a home. This is something I think about every day, but especially at the holidays. For my sons, Jerry and Khalil, and I, our home means a happier family life, a stronger community and lasting hope. It’s my wish that our family story will inspire you to think about everything your home means to you, this holiday season and every day.

Our home is a place where our family can thrive. It’s a lot like the family homes I knew growing up. When I was younger, we used to go to my grandmother’s house around the holidays. We would sit on her porch, and she would tell stories. I’ll never forget the beautiful sound of her wind chimes. Now, around the holidays, we carry on this family tradition by enjoying our own porch. Here, we share stories and family memories—and, of course, we listen to wind chimes of our own. I’m so happy that I’m creating wonderful memories for my sons, just like the memories I treasure from my youth.

Our home makes us part of the community. It’s such a difference from where we were in the past. Our previous place was nasty. The boys had to share a room that was far too small. We had to cope with an infestation of skunks, severe dust allergies and many sleepless nights. I was sick all the time. Yet our landlord wouldn’t do anything to help. We were all on our own. Needless to say, it didn’t ever feel like home. Now in our home, we know people care and that we belong here. Habitat has been good for the block, too. The street is cleaner and the neighborhood is safer. It’s a better place for kids to grow up.

Our home inspires lasting hope. When we moved in, my sons and I spent five minutes at the door just admiring our new home. It felt real once we held the keys in our hands. We just hugged each other and cried. The year we moved, I found out I had Stage 3 breast cancer. Our Habitat home was a godsend. I had a clean, safe, affordable place to get healthy, and I did! Since then, our Habitat home has allowed my sons to be healthier and less stressed, and it’s given them the space to develop good studying habits. Jerry is now a student at Montgomery County Community College. He is so proud of his 3.8 GPA. Khalil, who used to have few aspirations, is now looking at colleges. We’re a happier family.

This holiday season, I want you to know how grateful we are for Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. All of you—the volunteers, donors and staff members—are like angels working on Earth, making miracles happen. My sons and I will be forever grateful.

Thank you for your generosity, and please remember Habitat during this season of gratitude and giving.