Conley Family

Lisa Conley is a single mother of two sons, Xavier (4) and Tyler (15). She works as the head secretary at Hawthorne Early Learning Center, where she has worked in education for the past seven years.

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Before applying to Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program, Lisa left a volatile relationship to create a safer environment for her family. She and her boys temporarily lived with friends in an overcrowded home. They now rent a small two-bedroom apartment—just under 800 square feet—where Lisa shares a room with her youngest son. While affordable, the space is limited.

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Lisa was encouraged by a friend who was also applying for the program and supported by her parents, who urged her to take advantage of the opportunity. Lisa saw it as a chance to build a better future for her children.

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Lisa believes that homeownership will bring the stability her sons need to truly thrive. “I’ll worry less,” she says, knowing they will finally have a place to call their own. When she received the call that she had been accepted into the program, she and Tyler were both in tears. “It felt like winning the lottery,” she shared. “Like I finally made it.”

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She looks forward to simple but meaningful moments—hosting cookouts, building relationships with neighbors, and being part of a community where people look out for one another. “It will feel like having a village,” she said.

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During the program, Lisa worked on construction sites, where she learned new skills and gained confidence. She also completed financial literacy classes, where she learned about budgeting and credit.

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Lisa shared, “I’m so grateful for this journey,” and she is excited about the future—saving money, taking vacations, and, maybe one day, helping her son buy his first car.