All Kaylynn wants is something simple yet powerful—a home where her children can feel safe, loved, and truly “home.”

Kaylynn is a single mother to two energetic children, ages 5 and 7. She works countless hours as both a CNA and CMA, doing everything she can to pay her bills while moving steadily toward her dream of becoming a homeowner. One of her biggest challenges has been finding the time to juggle 60+ hour workweeks, motherhood, and the sweat equity hours required for the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program. Still, she knows that every late night and early morning will be worth it once she has a home of her own. As she puts it, “It will change my life tremendously knowing I worked hard for it, and knowing that it is mine.”

Currently, Kaylynn and her children are living in temporary housing at the House of Hope, where the kids share a room. She moved in this past May and is deeply grateful for the support and stability the House of Hope provides. Yet, what she wants most is a place that is truly hers—a home with privacy, comfort, and space for her family to grow. She’s especially excited to someday put up a backyard fence where her children can safely play and to decorate her home exactly the way she envisions. “This home will be made for me and my family,” she says with pride.

Kaylynn first applied for the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program at her mother’s encouragement. After patiently waiting on the list for five years, she couldn’t believe it when she finally received the call that she had been accepted. Overwhelmed with emotion, she felt some fear at first—unsure how she would manage everything—but her determination never wavered. Her advice to others considering the program is simple: “If you get the opportunity to build your house with Habitat, take it.”As she continues working toward her future home, Kaylynn is deeply grateful for everyone who makes Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s mission possible. “Anything you can afford to donate, I appreciate every single dollar. Thank you for having an open heart and thank you for going out of your way to make my dreams come true.”