As the foundation is put down and the walls start to come up, Amanda Dominguez said it’s a dream come true.
Dominguez, a mother of three, has raised her children is less than ideal conditions.
“Right now, we were currently in a two-bedroom home, and we were cramped,” she said. “All the children in one room.”
Soon, Dominguez, her girl and two boys, will move into a new, three-bedroom home. The house is being built as a part of Wichita Habitat for Humanity’s 12th Women Build. All women are constructing the home.
“The Women Build is a unique project,” said Ann Fox, Wichita Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. “Over 300 women from our community are coming together with a common goal to provide a safe and affordable home for a single mom and her children. It’s an empowering experience not only for the homeowner but for everyone involved.”
MOVING TOWARD GETTING A HOME
After being accepted as a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, Dominguez attended special homebuyer classes and put down $2,000 for the purchase of her home. She’s also contributed 250 hours of what’s dubbed as “sweat-equity” — time to help build other homes through Habitat for Humanity.
The home is expected to be complete sometime next month.
“It’s very important,” Dominguez said. “Without this program, it’d be hard to find housing. I looked around and it’s a lot harder than you think to find housing or buy a home.”
“Like I said it’s indescribable,” she continued. “All the love surrounding me. There’s no better feeling in the world.”
BUYING INEXPENSIVE PRODUCTS FOR YOUR RENOVATION PROJECT
Through the years, Habitat gets donations from people throughout the community.
People will often donate products they didn’t use in their current renovation, Fox said. Those items are taken to Habitat ReStore, which features new and used furniture, tools, tile, paint, roof shingles and more.
“So habitats across the nation started to accept those donations and sell them at reasonable prices and the money generated from the ReStores then helps us to build more houses,” Fox said.
For folks who are currently working on a home project, Fox said they should check out ReStore for its affordable, quality products.
Anyone who is wrapping up a construction project can also donate excess products, furniture or tools to ReStore. Fox said they will pick up large donations, including furniture, so homeowners don’t have to worry about bringing it to the store, located by Central and West in west Wichita.
BECOMING A HOMEOWNER
In addition to finding volunteers and donors, Fox said they are continuously looking for new Habitat for Humanity homeowners. Many people can qualify. They must have a need for housing, have an ability to pay for a home with a 0 percent interest loan and have a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. They also must attend an information meeting to obtain an application and learn more about what’s involved; this includes 250 to 400 hours of “sweat-equity” to go toward the home. Homeowners must be able to afford a payment of $450 a month for 20 years to pay off the home. Credit score is not factored into a decision, Fox said.
Women build house for single mother of 3 in Wichita. It's a part of Habitat for Humanity's Women Rebuild.
Posted by Annette Lawless on Thursday, July 23, 2015