Caitlin Drake, an ambitious single mother to two energetic boys, Dominick (9) and Desmond (3), applied to Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program in the spring of 2024. She first heard about the program through two Habitat partner families who had found stability through homeownership.

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Caitlin works full-time in the insurance department at Goshen Health Rehab Center. She was living in a trailer with her sons when she applied for the program. Rising rent and utilities strained her budget, and the trailer’s failing septic system and slow maintenance made life increasingly difficult.

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After being accepted into Habitat’s program, Caitlin moved in with her mother and sister, allowing her to save for her down payment while she works toward a better future. In addition to her full-time job, Caitlin began taking classes at Ivy Tech, working steadily toward becoming a surgical technician.

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Despite her busy schedule, Caitlin eagerly jumped into Habitat’s requirements—volunteering on construction sites and attending financial literacy and homeownership classes. She loved learning how to use power tools and hang siding, gaining skills that gave her a new sense of confidence. The financial classes were equally impactful, helping her understand her credit and how to build long-term financial stability.

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Most importantly, this home will give Caitlin and her boys something they haven’t had before: security. “Knowing our mortgage won’t keep rising like rent gives me peace of mind,” she shared.

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For Caitlin, this home will be the start of a firm foundation for her children’s future. She dreams of planting a garden, hosting family board game nights, and someday taking Dominick and Desmond on a real vacation. But more than anything, she’s excited to give her sons their own space in a place they can finally call home.