At 40, Ashley had spent much of her adult life in rental homes. While she was grateful for a roof over her head, something was always missing — a true sense of home. For her and her daughter, Amiyah, the places they lived in were temporary, not theirs to personalize or dream within. But that all began to change the day she was approved for the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program.

“I had a ‘God heard me’ moment,” Ashley said. “We finally got our blessing.”

Ashley had applied multiple times, only to be turned away for one reason or another. However, each “no” didn’t stop her from believing in something better for herself and her daughter. She kept trying, knowing that one day it would be her turn. 

When she received her approval, Ashley imagined her home for the first time. “I’m planning out all the things we need or want to bring the space together and make it our home,” she said.

However, it is not just designing what the house will look like. Ashley looks forward to simple things: a bigger space to share with Amiyah and creating lasting memories.

Ashley knows this opportunity was not just handed to her. She earned it. Through perseverance, faith, and unwavering commitment, she has turned hope into reality. And soon, she and Amiyah will walk through the doors of their new home — a place built with love, determination, and a community that believed in them.

“This experience has been fulfilling and memorable,” Ashley said. “I’m just so excited to truly make it our home.”

Ashley’s message to anyone considering a donation to Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity is, “Your donation is making a difference. It gives families like mine a chance to step in the right direction. You’re not just creating more homeowners — you’re helping build stronger communities and leaving a lasting impact that we can all be proud of.”