Douglas County, MN, Habitat for Humanity of

Meet the Braford family. Cassandra and her two children, as well as her mother will soon be able to enjoy the security that is provided by finally having a true place to call home. As you can see from their story below, the constant struggle to find affordable housing has had lasting consequences on their lives.

When families live in substandard housing, they often face challenges to their health, family stability, and children’s education. Constantly moving in order to find an affordable home also means it can be difficult to maintain steady employment, get credit and develop important relationships, all because they may have to move at a moment’s notice.

The options for families like Cassandra’s are few, if any.
They have to focus on surviving rather than thriving.

How can you make a difference? Your gift to Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County will help us finish construction on Cassandra’s home, and will help us begin the process of changing lives for the four families we will be serving in 2012.

By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Cassandra will finally know the safety, comfort, hope and promise that she has not dared to dream of for so long.

Your gift has lasting returns because in partnership with Habitat for Humanity our families are set up for success. They work alongside trained mentors during the building of their homes and for a year following their purchase. Each
homeowner receives education in home ownership and financial management, and participates directly in the completion of their home.

Your generosity makes it possible for Cassandra’s family, and others like it to experience the difference that a simple, decent, affordable – and permanent home can have in their lives and in the lives of the generations to come.

Please know that your gift of any size is greatly appreciated and brings Cassandra and her family closer to fulfilling the dream of living in a home of their own. Thank you for giving a gift that speaks to the reason for the season and for helping to change a life today!

The Braford’s Story:

Growing up in a single parent household, Cassandra and her mother had to move regularly in order to find housing they could afford. Friends and neighbors changed in an instant – she sometimes didn’t know if she would be in the same school. This pattern followed Cassandra into adulthood. As a single mother of two children, she has done her best to provide the stability she could not find – however she and her children have had to move 8 times in the span of 8 years. Always in the back of her mind, she knows that it isn’t wise to set down roots because she doesn’t know if they will have to move.

All of this is about to change now that Cassandra and her family are partnering with Habitat for a home of their own.

Cassandra and her children will be able to make a life for themselves without the constant struggle of worrying about whether or not they will have to move in order to afford the rent. The children will be able to form lasting friendships and have an opportunity to thrive knowing that they have a safe, secure place that is finally “home”. In addition, Cassandra’s mother Jean will be living with them and will at last see her daughter achieve the dream of having a home of her own.