Betty and her daughter moved into their Habitat for Humanity three bedroom home in 2007, nine months after she was accepted in the program. The Monroe High School Construction Tech students built it. Betty always brought pizza to the site for the kids and they will always remember this. Her home is on a dead end street that backs up to a cemetery. Betty likes her quiet neighbors.
Betty previously lived in a trailer with huge steps into it and she has MS and sometimes walks with a cane. There were many days she could not get out of her trailer because she could not navigate the steps. When asked how her life has changed since moving into her home, Betty smiled and said she feels better about herself and her family. She likes going to bed each night knowing this is her home. She takes such pride in her home both inside and out that she was named Homeowner of the Year in 2009.
Betty's daughter Chesnie suffers from asthma. Not only has her breathing is greatly improved after moving out of their trailer and into their Habitat home, her general health is better. Aside from the health benefits, Chesnie's new bedroom is much safer than her old one where the ceiling was falling down on her.
Betty's house payment is so much more affordable than the trailer she lived in; she is saving money. Her utilities are much lower, too. She keeps a budget now after learning how to in one of the classes she attended and knows exactly where her money goes and what she spends it on. Betty says the classes she attended through Habitat for Humanity made her smart.
Betty is from the south and has no family in the area beside her two children. She said once she was accepted by Habitat the people there became her family. They encouraged her to attend their annual picnic and have assisted her every time she has needed extra support. She said, "Carol and Debbie are the bomb!"
Betty encourages folks to apply for a Habitat home. If accepted, it is life changing. She advises all to enjoy the build and soak in Habitat for Humanity. There are many rewards to joining this welcoming family. Chesnie chimed in, "It is a great experience."
