Dream comes true for local mom thanks to Habitat for Humanity and grant from Lee County
There are few things in life that evoke a feeling of accomplishment quite like becoming a first-time homeowner, and for one local mother, that American Dream has finally become reality thanks to the help of Habitat for Humanity, and a generous grant given to the organization by Lee County.
Ilieana Villaman is a single mother raising three small children — twin toddlers and a 4-year-old. Last May, she reached out to Habitat for Humanity in a desperate letter, longing for a safe alternative in which to raise her children. Without much money, Villaman lived in a small third-floor apartment with no elevator, making the trek up and down the stairs multiple times per day with two baby seats and a small child difficult and exhausting.
When Habitat for Humanity agreed to work with Villaman and help make her dream of homeownership a reality, there were multiple components to the process that needed to be completed – all while working, raising her family, and pursuing her dreams.
Although the program is income based, there are other requirements to meet, such as the completion of 300 sweat equity hours, and 20-plus hours of financial literacy classes, among other requirements. Additionally, the homeowner needs to pay $2,000 toward their closing costs. The mortgage for each home is set at no more than 30% of total income and varies on a case-by-case basis.
On Friday morning, John Talmage of the Lee County Economic Development Office presented Villaman with the key to her new home located in McNeill Village in North Fort Myers, during a celebration for the family. In attendance were various community leaders, leaders from Habitat, and others. The home was bustling with attendees, all eager to welcome the family to their new home.
This home is a historic build for Habitat of Lee as it was the first built with the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery, or CDBG-DR, received by the organization from Lee County after Hurricane Ian, and the first single family home finalized in the county to tackle housing needs after the storm.
When asked what this opportunity meant for the family, Villaman was tearful. “This means everything. We needed this. I’m just so glad I was able to make this happen with everyone’s help. I was living on a third-floor unit. It’s all I could find and afford. It was small, but I made it work and have been making it work for us. I won’t have to go through that anymore.”
Becky Lucas, CEO of the Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, gave a speech and navigated the ceremony, stating during that time, “Today is all about Ilieana.” Lucas later shared that there are 14 scattered sites through Cape Coral in partnership with the county.
As a faith-based organization, each Habitat for Humanity home is blessed with the laying of hands on the walls of the home and a short prayer, which was completed by Pastor Matt Swearingen of Crosspoint Christian Church. Ilieana was presented with a family Bible by Kethura Flores, housing counselor, as well as other keepsakes to remember her friends at Habitat by.
For Villaman and her children, the future looks bright. “This is all so beautiful. Thank you so much to everyone. I didn’t even know buying a house was something I could do. I’m here, and I am so thankful for this.”