Megan and Mason Toomey look forward to a brighter future in a new home of their own

Megan Toomey didn't think that she and her son Mason would ever own a home of their own. "With only one income, I never imagined I'd be able to afford a conventional home loan or even qualify for a mortgage. I had always assumed that Habitat for Humanity was for people without jobs and a house was just given to them. I was really surprised to learn that Habitat requires you to meet specific criteria like having a stable income, decent credit, 200 hours of sweat equity, and that you also have a mortgage payment just like everyone else! 

"Once I learned what Habitat was really about, it became very obvious to me that Habitat for Humanity and I would be a perfect match. This very well may be the only opportunity I have to purchase a home. It is such a blessing, and I am so grateful."

Megan's bright and outgoing personality is a great fit for her work as a receptionist at Ashland Family Dentistry, where she has been employed for the past seven years. Her enthusiasm for her work is obvious, and she says "I love my job! My co-workers are like my second family. I really care about the well-being of all our patients and the people I work with."

Megan began her sweat equity hours by working alongside other volunteers and Partner Families at Habitat's 41st home for the Goodman family. She has nothing but great things to say about her experience thus far. "I told my mom that I feel like God has brought me down this path to help me build genuine, long-lasting friendships. Being able to help families with something that is so life changing for them is an amazing feeling." She laughingly says, "I know now why people volunteer with Hanover Habitat: it's like food for your heart and soul, it really makes you feel great to help people in need! It has been a joy for me to help build the Goodman home, and Jimmy Goodman has been so nice and informative. He has been a great mentor."

A resident of Hanover County since childhood, Megan and her eight-year-old son, Mason, have rented an apartment in Ashland for the past few years. Hanover Habitat broke ground on Megan's home in late August, with friends and family there to cheer her on. Deacons from the First Baptist Church of Elmont welcomed Megan and Mason to the neighborhood (her home will be built near the church), offered a heartfelt benediction, and helped to lead the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Megan says, "I am so excited about being a homeowner! Mason and I will take a great sense of pride in our home. It's a wonderful feeling to know that even though I am a single mom, I can still provide a nice, stable home for my son."