Chastity always hoped to give her children a better place to grow up, but it was her mom who took the first step. Signing her up for Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program in secret, her mother knew how much Chastity wanted more for her family.

Since 2011, Chastity had been living in a small trailer that couldn’t keep up with her growing children. During storms, they would all squeeze into the bathroom or drive across town just to feel safe. “I wanted something with a basement so we’d have a safe spot when it storms,” she said.

One day, Chastity’s mom spotted a for-sale-by-owner house in Independence. They took a picture and sent it to Iowa Heartland Habitat. Her mom told her, “That is your future home.”

Chastity loved the character of old houses and the welcoming Independence community. Through her sweat equity hours, she helped build her own house, raising walls and setting windows. “The volunteers and staff members believed in me before I believed in myself,” she said.

As an early Christmas surprise, Chastity gave her kids a photo book with pictures of their new home. They were most excited about the playroom; she was most excited to finally have a safe, joyful space to make memories. “This year, we are going to live in a house,” she said. “We’re not going to live in a trailer anymore.”

Chastity added, “It’s the little things that people take for granted every day. I will never have to worry about having a safe space to go during storms again because I get to experience being a homeowner with a basement now.”

Chastity now sits on the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity Buchanan County Steering Committee as a voice for those who may be interested in Iowa Heartland Habitat’s programs.