Ten Years Later - “My home has been the key to a happy family.”

Ten years ago, Gia Brown, a single mom raising three young children in Loudoun County, was living in a small 2-bedroom apartment, struggling to make ends meet.  Her dream of having a safe and stable home for her young family was just a dream with little hope of coming true. 

 Then one day everything changed, and her dreams began to take shape when she applied to the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program.  “When I entered the Habitat program, and learned I could purchase my own home, I was filled with mixed emotions.  I was super excited but also nervous and anxious about taking on such a big responsibility,” she explained.

 Now, as Gia’s children have grown (18, 14 and 11 years old), Gia reflects on her 10-years as a Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Homeowner.  “Homeownership and this home changed my family for the better.  I am able to make it on my own.  I no longer struggle, my kids have learned stability, this is their childhood home and will continue to be part of our family.  It is important to me that this home is handed down and taken care of for several generations,” she says.

 Being a homeowner has encouraged Gia to overcome many life challenges.  “During certain situations and challenges my family has faced, I thought about where I would be if I did not have my home.  I could have been struggling to pay rent.  Instead, I live in a stable home, with room to grow and a reasonable mortgage.  I don’t need to worry ‘Where will I live?  Can I afford it?’  Gia continued “Being a homeowner encouraged and taught me that I can do absolutely anything and has allowed my children to learn and observe as well.”

 Habitat for Humanity’s partner families understand that homeownership is an investment in their future.  Joined together with the community that supports the mission of Habitat for Humanity, Habitat families are build strong foundations to grow and thrive.  And like Gia Brown and her three children, Habitat family know that home is the key to a safe, secure, and happy life.