Hailee is determined to build a safe life for her daughter – even if that means working two jobs. Hailee’s daughter, Tay’Lynn (4), is about to start pre-kindergarten and together they love to paint and play outside. Hailee works as a Child Watch Lead at the YMCA, ensuring the safety of children while their parents work out. On the side, Hailee cleans businesses in order to help make ends meet.

Hailee and Tay’Lynn currently live in a mobile home that’s beginning to fall apart. “We pay a lot for rent, and it’s just not a safe environment for my daughter to grow up in,” Hailee explains. “I’m ready for the next step in life, and that means owning a home.”

Hailee learned about Habitat from a coworker. “At the beginning of 2019 I started looking into the Habitat program,” Hailee says. “Applying was easier than I thought. I wouldn’t be eligible for traditional loans for a long time, so Habitat came at just the right time.”

While committing to 300+ sweat equity hours is tiring, Hailee says it comes with a lot of laughs and new skills. “The first time I went on a build, I learned how to put in the sub-flooring. It’s cool to learn about building a home,” Hailee smiles. “I’m really excited to start on my home and watch the walls go up.”

Because of the financial stability that comes with owning a Habitat home, Hailee will no longer have to work two jobs to pay the bills. “I can take my daughter to do things and spend time building that relationship with her. I’m so thankful for a better place for my daughter and me to be in,” Hailee says. “This home means security and an exciting new chapter that I’m so ready to begin.”