A Chance at a New Life

Meet the Goodman Family

Hanover Habitat's most recently approved Partner Family, the Goodmans, are thrilled about the opportunity for a fresh start in a new home. To live within their means, the Goodmans have rented a home for 15 years that currently has no running water, a woodstove as their only source of heat, and all their meals must be prepared using a hot plate or microwave. It is the only home their children have ever known.

The Goodmans

The Goodmans pay very little to rent their current home and have willingly endured these conditions to save money for a home of their own. Jimmy comments, "I appreciated the opportunity to move out on my own. I can live on what I've got, but I'm excited to have a new home for my family." The Goodmans emphasize that owning a Habitat home will be a profound improvement and opportunity for their family, and it is a financial step they are finally ready to take.

Volunteers from Ravensworth Baptist Church raise the walls of the Goodman home

When asked about his current living situation, Jimmy comments "I wouldn't be worried, but for my children. If it were just me, I could live off the land and be comfortable, but they need more than that." Jimmy and Lori are parents to three beautiful children, the youngest just two years old. A Hanover native, Jimmy has held the same job at a local construction retailer for ten years. He is proud of this stability and his history of living modestly within his means. Jimmy knows that the place he has considered home for so many years isn't adequate for his young family.

The road to being approved for a Hanover Habitat home was a long one for Jimmy. He first applied to Hanover Habitat in 2010, but was not yet eligible. However, he was determined and began to work diligently to clean up some financial struggles and become approved. In 2011, Jimmy attended and graduated from a Homebuyer's Club sponsored through Virginia Supportive Housing; a year-long class that helps first time homebuyers prepare for successful homeownership. In 2012 the Hanover Habitat Board of Directors finally approved Jimmy and his family for the next Hanover Habitat home.

The Goodmans shared that their children are thrilled about the opportunity to live in a better home that has basic amenities. In addition, the Goodmans are blessed to have a close relationship with extended family that regularly visits in spite of their substandard living conditions. They look forward to having them visit their new Habitat home.

The Goodmans' long wait for a decent home is almost over. Hanover Habitat is proud to have broken ground in late May on a home for this hard-working and deserving family. Already a regular on the Habitat job site, Jimmy and other family members have volunteered most Saturdays with Habitat to offer their knowledge and labor to other Habitat homeowners.

The Goodman home will be completely funded by generous contributions from our community through individuals, businesses, churches, and social clubs. The physicians of Virginia Women's Center, a Richmond-based women's health practice, have donated 1.8 acres of land on Pleasant Grove Road to Hanover Habitat for Humanity for the Goodman home. Virginia Women's Center is excited to have their staff and physicians involved in the build from start to finish.

Virginia Women's Center employees at the Goodman home groundbreaking ceremony

Following the groundbreaking on May 19, the staff and physicians, as well as other community volunteers, have begun the 16-week process of building the home. Hanover Habitat appreciates the support of our donors and sponsors to build hope and opportunity for deserving Hanover families.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Build the Foundation ($5,000+)

Doswell Limited Partnership

Anonymous (2)

Christ Church Episcopal

Sponsor A Room ($2,500+)

Ashcake Woman's Club, Inc. 

Fairmount Christian Church