Six years ago, Amy made the brave decision to get sober. It was her second stay at House of Hope, where she began piecing her life back together and dreaming of reuniting with her three boys.

While Amy worked on her recovery, her father cared for her children. “He was everything for me and my kids,” she said. “When I couldn’t take care of them, he stepped in. He never gave up on us.”

At House of Mercy in Des Moines, Amy found the tools she needed to heal—especially around mental health. “That’s when everything changed. I finally lost the desire to drink or use,” she shared. “My recovery makes me a better mom, a better employee, a better person.”

Through House of Hope, Amy learned about the Framing Hope program through Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. She put in her sweat equity hours with determination, holding onto one dream—giving her boys a home of their own.

And now, that dream is real.

“We love our house,” Amy said, smiling. “For the first time, my kids each have their own room. I still walk around and think, ‘Is this really my house?’”

Today, Amy’s home stands as a symbol of perseverance, love, and second chances. “Six years ago, I couldn’t imagine this life,” she said. “But it gets better every day. My boys are happy, and so am I.”

To the donors and volunteers who make stories like hers possible, Amy shares one final thought:

“It’s worth every penny. This program changes lives. It gives single moms like me the chance to give their kids a place to call home.”