Ashley grew up in the same family home her entire life—until it was sold. With a limited rental history, finding a new place to live was nearly impossible. “You have to apply and go through steps, but I kept getting denied,” she said. She eventually moved into the only place she could, but it never felt like her own space. “It’s not home, it’s just somewhere you lie down every night.” She didn’t feel comfortable inviting people over and struggled to start over after leaving her family home full of memories. 

She heard about Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity through friends who had been through the homeownership program. However, she was nervous. “I didn’t think I’d be approved,” she admitted. Ashley patiently waited on the list for years before her name was at the top and she was finally approved. 

“When it was my turn, I was in tears,” she said. “I was at ease knowing I could have a home for myself and my kids.” Her children were proud of her for being patient with the process. They knew their mother’s hard work was about to pay off.

Ashley jumped into her sweat equity hours—working at the ReStore and on the construction site. Ashley would tell herself, “I got this. I can do it. No matter how tired I am, I need to keep pushing myself.” She learned how to paint, use tools, and even overcame her fear of ladders with the help of encouraging construction site supervisors and volunteers.

Ashley was most excited for her kids to finally have rooms of their own and space to host friends. Her daughter called her bedroom her “happy space”. Ashley was so proud to be able to provide this amount of joy for her family. 

For Ashley, the dining room was the heart of their new home—a place to share breakfast, dinner, and family moments. “I am now at ease knowing I can come home and be in my own space.”