For Amber Johnston, home means security and safety for her and her two children and now she’s excited to have her first home ever ahead of Christmas this year.
Johnston’s new home was the 157th house Habitat for Humanity has dedicated. Getting to the place where she could build the house took some time.
“But I just feel like it just came to us right at the perfect time,” she said.
Executive Director of Habitat Jeremy Stevens said the dedication ultimately symbolizes the final step into homeownership after a long dedication to the service.
“As we continue to push the limits of what is possible in affordable housing, we hope to be able to meet the ever-growing need so our neighbors and fellow residents who are searching for decent and affordable shelter, can find a place to call home,” Stephens said.
Johnston said the entire time they were working on the home they focused on being sure to be able to finish strong.
She said the job had to be done and she wanted to get the home ready for the holiday season.
She noted that in the days leading up to the dedication, she kept having nightmares and fears of what was ahead of her, but she knew a lesson came at the end of it all.
“I just cried and then I realized that I knew that just growing and being part of building this will make me cherish it that much more,” she said.
Overall, Johnston noted the experience has been emotional, but without the help of Habitat staff and volunteers, she was able to get a home she loved.
