Habitat for Humanity helped a single mother and her daughter settle for a better future. The nonprofit organization gave Natalie Kinsey a new home. 

Starting over again

In a report with Orange Observer, Kinsey said she shared a one-bedroom apartment with her daughter's father. She added that she also worked a full-time job and was the only one who kept the house together. 

The single mother moved back into her old family home with her daughter, Amiyah, in 2020. 

Her parents assured her that they would help her start all over again.

Habitat Homes

Kinsey later found out about Habitat Homes from her friends. She wanted to take another step towards starting over. 

Her family and friends told her about Habitat Homes, so she decided to look up about it online. 

Kinsey said she decided to take the opportunity to help find a better future for her and for her daughter. 

The application process

Nicole Campbell, the Communication's Manager, told the news outlet that applicants come in and meet with their Family Selection Committee. 

The committee would discuss the entire process and requirements with the potential applicant. Once the applicant agrees to the terms, they would pay a one-time $30 application fee.

According to the news report, homeowners have a mortgage of not more than thirty percent of their income. Most pay $500 to $700 every month. 

The mortgage is always interest-free. 

To qualify for a Habitat Home, the applicant must be unable to qualify for a mortgage. Their current housing conditions must either be considered unsafe, inadequate, or overcrowded. 

Applicants must also be residents or workers in West Orange County for at least a year. They must also be able to meet a credit score to qualify. 

Campbell said they also offered financial literacy classes for those whose credit scores could not fit the requirements. 

She explained the classes would teach the applicants to plan their finances. It would also give them a chance to increase their credit score. 

Support system

Kinsey admitted that she strived to have a better life for herself and her child. She added that her ultimate support system was her mother, Angela.

Angela encouraged Kinsey to move on from her past and build a better future for Amiyah. 

The grandmother said she helped her daughter with the credit-building application process. She also took care of her granddaughter while Kinsey was away at work. 

Angela told the news outlet that her daughter worked a second job doing Amazon deliveries to pay for the down payment. 

A better future

The nonprofit also helped Kinsey strengthen her community ties through its partnership programs. Applicants could earn "sweat equity" by helping on home build sites. They could also volunteer for Habitat for Humanity ReStore. 

Kinsey said it felt good to help build houses. Volunteering for ReStore also became a hobby of hers. 

She added that she loved helping people. 

The single mother received the keys to her new house in early November. Kinsey shared that she is even more determined to move forward with her life. 

She is earning her degree in early childhood development from Florida International University. Kinsey said she was excited to host her first Thanksgiving in her new home. 

According to the West Orange Habitat for Humanity website, they empower people by giving them a home of their own. They believe that everyone deserves to have a decent place to live. 

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