When Jasmine and her daughter moved into their house just before the holidays, they not only opened the door to their new home, but to a new story. 

“Looking back five years ago, I never thought I would have a job or own a home. I wasn’t even sure I would be alive,” Jasmine says, reflecting on her recovery journey. “When my mom gave me that chance to come home, her compassion inspired me to care about myself. I discovered determination... I found a way to believe in myself.” 

For several years, Jasmine persevered by renting an apartment and working at a local organization that supports the houseless population, something that is close to her own heart, but the financial burden became worrisome as prices increased and drained her savings. When thinking about what stability looked like, Jasmine pursued a partnership with Evergreen Habitat for Humanity to purchase her first home. 

“This was a promise I made to my mom,” she recalls.

Since moving into their home, the seasons have changed, and Jasmine did not hesitate to bring life into her outdoor space. From a wishing well and fountain to vegetable garden beds, the land is a testimony to Jasmine’s own growth and a promise kept. Planted in the garden is a maple tree accompanied by a memory stone.

“Mom wanted to come back as a tree, and she loved Japanese Maples. That is the tree I planted for her. She gets to be a part of growing with us.”

But the growth doesn’t stop at Jasmine’s garden. Not only is she expanding her surroundings, but her aspirations. With the financial stability of an affordable mortgage, Jasmine is focusing her time and energy on other facets of her life, like her career. “I get to look at what’s next,” she says. “I wouldn’t have risked this before becoming a homeowner.” 

Every safe, affordable home sparks wider change, leading to better health, education, and well-being, and more economic growth. Homeownership opens doors for individuals and families to invest their time and energy into other facets of life, which results in thriving, prosperous communities. Peace of mind and the ability to focus on what matters most starts with a home.

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in our local area and around the world, working together to build more thriving communities by making sure everyone has a decent, safe, affordable place to call home like Jasmine.