Sam and Samantha moved into their Habitat for Humanity four bedroom home in March 2010 eight months after being accepted into the program. The home was built in 2004 for another Habitat family whose work took them to another state. Sam and Samantha worked hard to help rehab their home so it was just like new when they moved in.

"The best thing about owning your own home is knowing it's yours and that you can leave it to your children," says Sam. "I feel comfortable here. When I come home from work, I look forward to coming home to my family and my home."

Samantha loves decorating and gardening. The pride she takes in her own home is readily apparent. She has given back to Habitat by participating in a women's build and gift wrapping at the mall during the holidays.

Sam and Samantha feel that Habitat for Humanity is wonderful. It helped them set up their lives. They have a stable home for their three children. The children even seem to listen more now that they are in their own home. They believe Habitat made them stronger as a family.

Right after they moved in, Sam's hours were cut and they were struggling to make their house payments. Habitat workers counseled them on what they could do to make ends meet. Sam ended up getting a second job for awhile, until his hours increased at his first job.

They made their Habitat for Humanity obligations their first priority. To make working on their sweat equity hours more fun, they challenged another family to see who get their hours completed first. Sam and Samantha won.

They went to all of the classes and said they still use what they learned in the class on finances. They know how to manage their money better, since attending that class.

They advise others that if you make Habitat your first priority, you will not be sorry. They won't just work with you; they will become like family.