Charlena Thompson is a devoted single mother determined to build a better future for her family. Her oldest son has moved out on his own, while she shares a small apartment with her 14-year-old daughter, Faith, and three-year-old son, Marcus. The apartment complex feels unsafe—her children once witnessed a stabbing. As a result, she never lets them play outside. Inside, conditions are no better: with mold and the stove has never worked properly, and in the winter, leaking gutters turn the walkways into sheets of ice. Charlena is determined to provide her children with a safe and stable home.

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A former medical assistant, Charlena shifted careers in 2017, taking a job as a school bus driver for Elkhart Community Schools. The role allows her to maintain a flexible schedule and spend more time with her children—something she deeply values. Although she dreams of returning to the medical field once Marcus starts school, she has grown to love driving the bus and the connections she makes along the way.

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Determined to achieve homeownership, Charlena applied for Habitat’s program. Though she didn’t qualify the first time, she refused to give up. She reapplied, and this time, she was approved—news that had her literally shouting with joy. Though the process felt daunting at times, she embraced the financial literacy classes, gaining valuable budgeting skills that have strengthened her confidence.

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Charlena has enjoyed both the homeownership classes and volunteering at build sites. “I’m excited to learn it all,” she shared.

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For Charlena, an affordable home represents more than just four walls—it means financial security. “When there’s an emergency, it won’t be devastating,” she explains. More importantly, she knows this home will give her children the sense of stability and belonging they deserve.

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The family dreams of hosting birthdays, celebrating holidays, gathering around bonfires, and planting a garden in their new backyard. Charlena’s heart overflows with gratitude. “God is so faithful,” she says. “I’m so happy!”