Wilma’s Story

“I am Wilma. I’m a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” she proudly says—and now, she’s thrilled to welcome her large family into a home of her own, where they can relax on the porch and play in the yard.

As a child, Wilma dreamed of owning a home, but life took her down a different path. After years in apartments, she followed her mother’s advice: “Don’t let anything stop you—just try.” So she prayed daily, applied to Habitat, and is now joyfully living in her very own home.

Wilma treasures her childhood memories—holiday meals, Easter egg hunts, and the love of her parents—and she’s excited to pass that legacy of warmth, togetherness, and tradition on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for years to come.

Getting into a Habitat home is Wilma’s way of leaving a legacy. “They’ll be excited, they’ll love it, and they’ll see what I got—it’ll encourage them to do the same,” she says, proud to inspire her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Homeownership is already changing her life. She looks forward to saving on housing costs, using that freedom to do more with her money. Through Habitat’s homeowner classes, she’s learned things she never knew she needed and built friendships—some with future neighbors.

Wilma shares her love for Habitat with anyone who will listen: “They walk you through everything. It’s lovely. Just come out here and try.” Grateful to all who made it possible, she adds, “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here—thank you.”

Most of all, the journey has helped her rediscover herself. “I’m strong, I’m smart, I’m a better person, and I’m going to keep going.” For Wilma, that’s a win—and for Habitat, it’s exactly what the mission is all about.