Gates Family Build

Indika Gates is a single mother to her two-year-old daughter, Sonique, and works as a bank teller at Chiphone Credit Union. In the fall of 2023, she applied to Habitat’s homeownership program to provide a stable home where her daughter can grow up. Indika is eager to move into a space of their own, where they won’t have to worry about rising rent costs. Currently, she lives in a low-income apartment that is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

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Indika learned about Habitat’s Homeownership Program through her previous employer, who invited Habitat to present information about the program. The opportunity to own a home and create a permanent space for herself and her daughter appealed to her. She wanted a place where Sonique would always feel welcome and where they could build lasting memories.

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Initially, Indika was concerned about the responsibility of maintaining her own home. However, through Habitat's educational classes and by working alongside the construction team—Jay, Gerry, and Jake—on other families' homes, she gained the confidence and skills needed to maintain her future home.

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Indika expressed her appreciation for the financial literacy classes, particularly the lessons on budgeting and saving for emergencies. She hopes to further her education by attending Cosmetology School and pursuing her dream of becoming a makeup artist, a goal she has held for many years.

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Indika chose a lot on Hubbard St., Elkhart. The home will be a 3-bedroom,  1 1/2 bath, and a total area of 1,176 square feet.

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