Solares Family Dedication

This past October, the Solares family were welcomed home in Leesburg.  

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Loudoun County for 27-years partnering with homeowners based on a homeownership model that focuses on a need for a safe, stable home, a willingness to partner through sweat equity, and the ability to pay an affordable mortgage.  Therese Cashen, Executive Director for Loudoun Habitat for Humanity discussed the organization’s work of building strength and stability while empowering through homeownership, “The Habitat model provides a hand -up, not a hand-out.” 

COVID-19 did not stop these new homeowners from working hard on the sweat equity part of their partnerships. Families worked with the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity ReStore staff to help communicate with shoppers about mask and social distancing while in the store. In addition to working in the ReStore, Claudia and her children worked alongside the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager at her soon to be house.

Claudia has been working with Loudoun Habitat for Humanity for a year and a half preparing herself for homeownership.  Upon completion of the seven-week homebuyer education series that is required of all future homeowners, Claudia met regularly with her Loudoun Habitat financial advisor, learning how to save money and prepare for the purchase of this home. Claudia discussed how she now feels equipped with the skills to confidently manage her finances as she pays the mortgage.  Her new home has special meaning for Claudia’s youngest daughter who is twelve, “I’m super excited that I get my own room for the very first time and a backyard to play in.”  Her older daughter, who assisted with the required sweat equity required prior to homeownership, shared, “Thank you very much to the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity donors and volunteers.  Thank you from my heart because they really help to make your dreams come true.  Their efforts make an impact on real families. They might not realize that all of their time and donations come together to give a family their dream home.  They are making a huge difference.”