LaQuanjia

Five people. Two bedrooms. Three beds.

LaQuanjia has wanted a bigger home of her own for a long time, but for nine years, she has rented a too-small townhouse because it’s what she can afford. She tried buying a house on her own, but the best she could find that came close to big enough was outside her budget with a mortgage payment of $800 a month.

LaQuanjia was losing hope that her situation could change. Then, a Habitat homeowner friend of hers encouraged LaQuanjia to give the program a try.

Since being approved into the affordable homeownership program, LaQuanjia has been working on her sweat equity, and it has taught her a few things.

“I’m saving money by cutting back on eating out,” she said. “It really works. I bring snacks to work instead of swiping my card.”

Her daughters aren’t thrilled about it, but LaQuanjia wants them to learn not to waste money on unnecessary things.

But the whole family is definitely thrilled about the larger space their Habitat home will have. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms will make for fewer arguments and more room to sleep and store things.

Right now, Mom and two-year old Randi share a bed. ShaQuanjia, 20, Diamond, 17, and Andruliyah, 14, share the second bedroom, which has two twin beds. One girl either sleeps on the floor or with mom. Clothes are in totes, baby clothes are taking up LaQuanjia’s closet, and the older girls are sharing one closet.

“It’s a mess, but I make it work,” LaQuanjia said.

It’s going to feel good to not only have the space, LaQuanjia said, but to live somewhere quieter where cars aren’t flying by – somewhere Randi can go outside and play.

Most of all, she said, “It’s going to feel good to say it’s mine.”