For the longest time, Mansimran can remember wanting to own a home. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves, so she rarely experienced stability or permanence in one home. As an adult she rented apartments but longed for a space to call her own. Having family or friends over for dinner was uncomfortable with three other roommates, and she couldn’t decorate the living room or organize the kitchen to her liking. The final straw was when Mansimran and her three roommates were forced to work from home amid Covid, and the cramped space became unbearable.
Deciding to change her living circumstances was the easy part, the hard part was finding an affordable place to live. Despite her efforts, finding an apartment with reasonable rent was difficult, so homeownership was most definitely out of the question. After months of searching, Mansimran was out of options, and feared she would have to stay in her apartment with her roommates. That was until she learned about Habitat for Humanity.
A friend who had recently moved into a Habitat home mentioned the program over coffee one day, suggesting Mansimran should apply. Surprised that such a program existed, Mansimran discussed the opportunity with her parents who encouraged her to learn more. Although she was excited at the idea of owning a home, Mansimran was hesitant. Having faced numerous setbacks before, she doubted this opportunity would work out. “I don’t get things easily,” she said. “I often struggle a lot.” Despite her reservations, Mansimran took a leap of faith and applied for Habitat homeownership.
A short while later Mansimran received word that she was approved as a homeowner. She was shocked! All her dreams were about to come true. “It is so emotional for me because it means that somebody from my family has a place of their own,” she said. “That means a lot. This home has my name on it!”
The first night in her own home was surreal, and Mansimran had a hard time wrapping her head around the fact that she was a homeowner. The shock quickly gave way to excitement, and she jumped into homeowner mode, purchasing a dining table and inviting her friends over for dinner. Even though the dining table and chairs were the only pieces of furniture in her home, Mansimran says that was the best dinner of her life.
For Mansimran, the best part about owning her home is the ability to organize and decorate it as she pleases. For years her living space felt temporary, and she was forced to live out of boxes due to the lack of space. Now she can decorate to her heart’s content and no longer worries about coming home to a messy apartment. She finds herself reading constantly, something she was unable to do before without being interrupted by her many roommates. Since moving in, she’s already finished reading four books, and values her new alone time.
Mansimran sees homeownership as her first step into a stable life. She now has confidence and motivation to pursue exciting paths for her future. “Now my feet are grounded,” she says. “I’m so excited to start looking for more opportunities.”
