A place to call home for the holidays
Because of you the Roman family found a path to reach their dream
“Everything happens for a reason. There is a bigger plan for us maybe not now, but it will come.”
Franklin and Ramona have instilled this sense of resiliency into their family and lived by it! They choose not to look back or dwell on the past because they still have a goal to achieve – homeownership. Not only because it’s the ultimate American dream, but also because it sets the example for their children. There will be roadblocks, but you have to keep going. Even when times are hard. Even when the coronavirus pandemic threatened to delay their dreams even further. “The things that happen to you can either make or break you, and in the case of my parents it has definitely made them,” shares their oldest daughter Alianira (Ali). And before this year comes to a close – just in time for the holidays, this family will achieve their goal, they will have a home to call their own.
At the start of 2017, it felt like life couldn’t get any worse. Now the Roman family faced eviction after the sale of the property where their mobile home was located. Although this home had no running water and wasn’t in the best of conditions – it was all they had to keep their family of five safe and the kids in school. Having emigrated from the Dominican Republic nearly a decade before, all their hard work just wasn’t enough. The challenges and obstacles continued to surge and it seemed impossible to see how they would realize their dream to own a home.
Working with social services, the family was referred to Habitat for Humanity, but unfortunately were not able to qualify for their program. After several closed doors, because of your support the Romans found a door open at HumanKind through the Financial Opportunity Center. Here they found a financial coach to walk the journey with them and create a path to their goals. One step at a time.
“Not once did they make their children feel like we were in a bad situation, even though we were they made each day a good day. Each day they put one foot in front of the other and continue to move forward.” Ali shared.
And because of your support, the Roman family had access to the resources they needed to stay focused on their plan and achieve financial stability. They are not only gaining a home of their own, but a home to share with their family for generations to come.
Although construction was supposed to start in the spring of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic caused several delays. Finally, the foundation was laid in the summer. With the help of family and friends, they poured more than 300 hours of sweat equity into their home. Right now they are counting down the days as the final finishes are in process. This transformation is only possible because of YOU! Your gift ensured that the Roman family had a plan to succeed – and because of you their dream is now a reality.
“The Roman’s journey was NOT an easy one – there were highs and lows along the way, but this family stayed focused and now their DREAM of home ownership is coming to fruition” – HumanKind Financial Coach, Yolanda Hilliard
This family will soon be moving into their new home – just in time for the Christmas holiday. What a sweet and special celebration to share this season.
“To have this opportunity is a blessing within itself.”
You were the difference in the Roman family’s life. Without you, they may still be searching for a way to provide reach financial stability and achieve homeownership. Thank you for being a steady force in the middle of this storm. Right now there are people, who much like Romana and Franklin, need someone to walk with them through the journey. Because of you and your support, help and resources are ready and waiting for a neighbor in need.
Learn more about the Economic Opportunity programs at HumanKind by visiting here.