LaVonda is a Veteran of the US Army Reserves. She and her family are just one of the Habitat partner families working toward homeownership.
With the help of volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is able to achieve its mission of helping families attain decent, affordable housing.
The annual Veterans Build in Chicagoland will kick off November 3-5, 2022 on build sites at all eight Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
Habitat affiliates across the Chicago region are actively addressing the lack of affordable housing by partnering with military service members, their families, and veterans to help build and repair affordable housing. Habitat’s hand-up not a hand-out approach asks partner families to invest sweat-equity hours to build their home and volunteer with us.
Meet LaVonda
LaVonda & her family
LaVonda has found a path to affordable housing through Will County Habitat for Humanity
"A year ago, I told my mom that I felt like I was never going to own a home. She reassured me that I would and that my stepfather was in his 50s when he bought his first home.
"I have been living at Hope Manor in Joliet. It’s housing for veterans and I have been nothing but blessed for the past six years residing there. I have been able to save up money and pay debts off. It gave me a fresh start and I am ready to move my daughter into our very own home. She wants pets, and a trampoline and I told her mommy’s working on it.
"I am trying very hard to fulfill the promise I made to her. I have been able to keep my credit score up and pay off many debts including my car payment, but it just seemed as though something was always keeping me from becoming a homeowner.
"Partnering with Habitat makes it possible for me to become a homeowner. It is the opportunity that I have waited for almost 20 years. It will provide me with an affordable mortgage and a safe and stable place to raise my daughter and I am grateful that I have the opportunity."
