Marlene has lived in her Habitat for Humanity home for two and a half years.  She lived in a 41 year old mobile home before that.  Since she has been laid off for more than a year, she doesn't think she could have kept up with the rent payments.  Her home is much more affordable.

Marlene is fiercely proud of her home.  She lovingly cares for it inside and out.  Her neighbors told her she has the prettiest house in the neighborhood in the summer with all of her flowers.  Her neighbors keep her sidewalks shoveled in the winter.  She is part of a community. 

The biggest change in Marlene's life since moving into her home is that she hosts family gatherings during the holidays.  She even invited the gentleman, who sold the lot to Habitat for her house, over to her house for her first Thanksgiving in her home.  She wanted him to meet her family and to see the difference he made in her life.

Marlene brags that her house was built by an all-woman crew.  When the house was just a shell, a group of women from her church came over and wrote scripture passages on the studs and plywood walls.  Being surrounded by God's word is a real comfort.

Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County selected Marlene as Homeowner of the Year in 2010.  Marlene believes in giving back.  She sits on the selection committee to help choose new homeowners; she solicits donations from local businesses for the annual auction; and she participates in building homes.  Habitat has given so much to her she feels it is only right she give back as much as she can.

For all those folks who would like to apply for a Habitat home, Marlene says, "Habitat is a wonderful program to help people who would otherwise be unable to afford a home.  And, if you are lucky enough to be accepted, taking care of your home and giving back to Habitat is a great way to say thank you."