Rocio’s journey to financial stability and homeownership

Rocio is a hardworking single mother who dreams of building a stable and secure home for her family in Wichita. She works full-time at a sewing factory, where she takes pride in her work and genuinely enjoys what she does. Tired of high rent consuming her income, she partnered with Wichita Habitat for Humanity to pursue an affordable housing solution.

Through Habitat’s homeownership program, Rocio began working with a budget coach and taking financial education classes. The impact of these lessons was immediate. By simply using grocery lists and tracking due dates on a calendar, she began to break out of her financial rut.

“I used to be completely disorganized,” Rocio admits. “Now, I use a calendar to track when my bills are due. I feel less stressed and I’m not living paycheck to paycheck anymore. I have a little money left at the end of the month.”

With her growing savings, she is actively preparing for future homeowner expenses like furniture and maintenance, so she won’t have to rely on credit. More importantly, she is breaking a generational cycle. Having grown up without financial literacy, Rocio is now passing these crucial skills on to her daughter so she won’t have to struggle in the future.

Though her income hasn’t changed, her mindset has.

“Before, I felt like money controlled me,” Rocio reflects. “Now, I’ve learned that I can live below my means and still be OK. My money lasts longer, and I feel more in control.”