Erica Parra joined Habitat's homeownership program in the fall of 2022. Since then, she has completed 200 of the 250 required hours and attended financial literacy and homeownership classes. A dedicated single mother to sons Dominic, 6, and David, 2, Erica has worked at Elkhart Clinic for five years, advancing from records to the business office.
 

They currently live in an apartment complex that is loud and feels unsafe. Their apartment is cramped with mold issues. Maintenance has not addressed the mold despite requests, and rent keeps rising. Erica learned about Habitat's homeownership program through a friend. She was nervous about attending the meeting alone, so she brought a friend; both went through the application process, and both were accepted.
 

Erica knows her new home will offer stability and safety for her children. Her sons enjoy playing outside, and she is excited to have a yard for the boys to play in. Erica chose her lot on Hope Ct., Elkhart, and looks forward to living in a neighborhood where she will know her neighbors and the kids will have other children to play with.
 

She cried when she received the news that she had been accepted into the program. Her eldest, sensing her emotions, asked if they were happy tears. She looks forward to becoming a homeowner, especially caring for the yard and gardening; she shared that she has fond childhood memories of helping her father.
 

Financial literacy classes were a game-changer for Erica. Now equipped with savings and checking accounts, she feels financially ready for homeownership. She looks forward to offering her sons more experiences once they are settled in their new home, including their first family vacation.

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The Parra family home will be a single-story with 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms, and a total area of 1,184 square feet.

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