A new chapter: Andy’s journey to homeownership

Andy is building more than just a house; he’s building a future. A future where he has stability, security, and a place to call his own. He’s on the path to homeownership through Wichita Habitat for Humanity, and he’s doing it with the help of our dedicated community.

A key part of our Habitat program is earning “sweat equity,” which requires future homeowners to put in work on their own homes and the homes of other program participants. For Andy, this means that completing 250 hours of work, a number that sounds like a lot but feels different in practice.

“It doesn’t seem like work. The volunteers and staff are really dedicated. They motivate me… and I’m learning with experienced people.”

– Andy

This hands-on experience has a huge benefit. Andy is gaining practical knowledge that will save him money down the road. “I won’t have to hire someone every time,” he said, nothing that he’ll have the skills to handle many repairs and avoid deferred maintenance.

From Volunteer to Future Homeowner

Andy’s journey with Wichita Habitat for Humanity began not as a future homeowner, but as a volunteer. A couple of years ago, he was helping others build their homes when a future homeowner suggested he looked into the Homeownership program himself. Andy met the necessary criteria—an income that fit the program, a need for housing, and a willingness to partner with Habitat—and was accepted.

Learning to Plan for the Future

Andy, like all Habitat homebuyers, is taking a series of financial literacy courses and working with a dedicated budget coach. Together, they review his income and expenses to help him prepare for the financial responsibilities of homeownership.

“He keeps me on track,” Andy said of his coach. “I’ve learned that my expenses will be higher in the future when I own my home. My water bill will be higher. I’ll need to take care of my lawn. I’ll bee responsible for anything that happens and won’t be able to call the landlord.”

This increased responsibility, however, is a small price to pay for the ultimate reward: “I will own my own house!”

Building Stability and Independence

For Andy, homeownership means security and independence. He recognizes that for many people with low to modest incomes, rising rents and the threat of eviction are constant worries.

“Owning my own home will give me a sense of security,” he said. “It takes worries away from people.”

Wichita Habitat for Humanity provides this path through a zero-percent (0%) interest mortgage, making homeownership affordable. It typically takes an individual or couple six to eighteen months to complete all the program requirements before they can purchase their home.

Want to learn more about the program? You can find more details about Wichita Habitat’s homeownership program here.

This story has been condensed and re-written for brevity while retaining the essence of the original.