After moving into their Habitat home, Cristina saw subtle changes in her children that had an impressive impact. Her 20-year-old son for the first time in his life brought friends over to the house. A fun summer activity, such as a water balloon fight, never existed at the apartment with no yard, but became a regular activity at their new home with her youngest daughter and neighborhood friends.
Previously, holiday traditions never changed from one year to another. Cristina and her children enjoyed baking together and spending time watching movies as a family.
They never considered inviting anyone over for the holidays, not even family. Their apartment was too small and confining. Their holiday traditions remain the same, but now there is space emotionally and physically, to welcome guests to celebrate together.
“We have better connections with friends and family. My children have a safe and reliable place to call home. They have a place where they can always come back to and a place where their childhood memories will be held.” Cristina said.
Cristina’s new home has also unleashed her passion for gardening. Ever since she was a child, she has loved plants and flowers, but never had a yard. She spends her spare time cultivating a garden and pridefully smiles when her neighbor’s comment on its beauty.
Before becoming a homeowner, Cristina described herself as reserved, unable to speak to groups of people comfortably. Now, she has become an advocate for affordable housing. She has become more active in her community, volunteering and speaking on subject that lift the community.
“My life, and my children’s lives have improved, year after year since we moved into our new home,” Cristina heartfully shares. “The kind of happiness we feel can’t be confined. It changes you from the inside.”