Through determination and support, Yakecia turned her dream of homeownership into a reality in 2024.
Before partnering with Habitat, Yakecia and her two children faced the weighing pressure many renters feel today – rising costs and limited options. Even as rent prices increased, homeownership wasn’t something she seriously considered. However, experiencing two unexpected deaths in her family was the wake up call she needed. She realized she shouldn’t keep putting off her goals, including buying a house.
Yakecia was introduced to Habitat through her best friend, Jessica, a longtime Habitat homeowner. Her friend helped build Yakecia’s confidence to explore the possibility of ownership. Yakecia first talked with realtors and family members who are homeowners. But, even working two jobs at the time, she saw Habitat as a more secure and realistic path given the current economic and housing landscape. She then submitted her application.
At first, the application was denied, Yakecia described her reaction as “heartbroken.”
After the initial reaction of disappointment, Yakecia says, “I didn’t feel nervous to reapply because the homeownership team was straightforward with me on what I needed to do to be accepted.”
Next steps: reduce her debt and reapply. She explained how the team gave her reminders and checked in to keep her on track.
During this time, she had family members in her corner as well. One of her biggest cheerleaders was her aunt, who has been a Women Build volunteer for the past eight years. “She was definitely on my case, speaking about the importance of ownership and the generational wealth that comes with it,” Yakecia shares.
With the right encouragement and guidance, Yakecia reapplied just six months later and this time, she was accepted. “When I was accepted, I thought ‘Finally, we’re here’.”
As she moved through Habitat University, Yakecia gained confidence to face the uncertainties of homeownership.
“If something breaks down in my house, I don’t feel pressure because of what we learned in class. Plus, I still have support from my aunt.”
Now, eight months in her new home, Yakecia and her kids are thriving in a quiet, safe neighborhood. “The most challenging part was trying to figure out how I was to decorate everything.” Yakecia and her Habitat bestie are now full-time students in the accelerated nursing program at Hondros College of Nursing. “If I didn’t go through Habitat, I wouldn’t be able to start school,” she shares. By this time next year, they will be ready to graduate.
Yakecia’s story exemplifies the power of persistence and support. She takes pride in knowing that her hard work has put her son and daughter in a position where they have a head start.
Many families in our community have a similar story and need guidance to prepare for homeownership. That’s why Habitat is launching Road to Readiness, a new program designed to support applicants that might not yet qualify for a mortgage. Whether it’s credit history, rental experience, or debt management, we want to be a resource for those committed to becoming qualified homebuyers.
For those who may not be ready to buy, she offers her advice. “Follow the steps Habitat lays out and overly communicate what you need and what you don’t know.”
