Before partnering with Habitat, our world felt very small. We lived in a tiny apartment with hardly any outdoor space for my daughter, Lauryn, to run, play, or simply be a kid. There were few children her age nearby, and I often worried about the friendships and childhood memories she was missing.

Everything changed the day we received the call telling us we had been selected as a Habitat partner family. From that moment on, our lives began to open up in ways I could never have imagined.

Our home was built in a little neighborhood filled with people who welcomed us with open arms—people who, to this day, treat us not just as neighbors, but as family. My daughter now has friendships that I know will stay with her for a lifetime, and watching her grow up surrounded by love and community has been one of my greatest joys.

This home has also become a place of comfort and refuge during life’s hardest moments. Most recently, I was able to bring my mom into our home for several months so I could care for her as she navigated the challenges of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Having a safe, stable place for her to rest and be surrounded by family meant more than words can express.

None of this would have been possible without Habitat, the volunteers who poured their hearts into building our home, and donors like you who believe in giving families a chance to thrive. Because of your generosity, our lives are filled with stability, community, and hope.

Please join me in supporting Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity this Giving Hearts Day. Together, we can help more families like mine build a foundation for a brighter future.

– Sandy Johnson, Habitat Homeowner