Home Sweet Home

Brandy is an amazing woman.  She juggles a busy career as the Senior Manager of a local chain of salons with caring for her four children, who range in age from 10 to 3 years.

Brandy didn't think that she would ever be able to afford to buy a home, but then she heard about Hanover Habitat for Humanity through her son's HeadStart teacher.  "I knew it was definitely the way to go.  I was always worried about renting, and it is hard to feel like it is really your home.  Renting was just a way to get by but not a way I could ever get ahead and give my kids the stability they need."

Brandy and her kids cut the
ribbon at their dedication ceremony 

Brandy says one of the best things about her new home is that it is so much bigger than the home that they were renting, and that the mortgage is significantly less than her previous rent payment.  She is also thrilled to have her own home and to be back in Ashland, the town she grew up in and where her grandmother still resides.  "Before, we were renting and I would have to drive my youngest child to child care and then turn right around and drive in the opposite direction to work.  Being able to live in Ashland cuts two hours out of my daily commute."

Habitat Executive Director handing over the
keys to Brandy's new home

Brandy's completed new home

"The first time my home really became real for me was when I drove by and saw volunteers working on the foundation.  Before, I had driven by and it was just an empty field.  That day was my birthday.  What an amazing birthday present that was!" - Brandy

The kids have adjusted well to their new home and the two oldest have become best friends with the children of another Habitat family that lives next door.  Brandy's two youngest children are looking forward to the next Habitat house being completed because that Partner Family includes two children that they have become friends with.  "It's like Hanover Habitat could not have planned our little community here on Ashcake Road any better!  All of my children will have friends that live right beside us.  Plus, the park is within walking distance, and my boys love seeing the trains that go by throughout the day."

Brandy's fondest memory of her Habitat experience center around working with volunteers to build her house.  "I was amazed by how many volunteers helped with my house.  That was just awe inspiring.  They wrote such heartwarming messages on the wood beams during construction.  Although we can't see their messages now that the walls are sheet rocked, we know that they are there.  It makes our home extra special to be surrounded by all those warm wishes.  The kids really got a kick out of helping out and doing little things that they could do, too."  Brandy laughs, "They go to school and brag to their friends that they built their own house!"

Brandy with a group of volunteers from Collegiate Challenge

Brandy is looking forward to celebrating the holidays in their new home but for now, the best part is "Coming home at the end of a long day and knowing that this is home and that it is really ours."