Melissa R., who was born and raised in Texas, moved to New York City 16 years ago, and “plan(s) to be here forever!” And while Melissa may have found the city to call home, she was not able to find a stable, affordable home of her own. She lived through “decades of housing instability,” and has moved about 14 times.
A painter and performer who also works as an operations manager, Melissa loves to cook and spend time with friends and her partner. Despite “applying for housing for ever, as long as I’ve had consistent income,” the real estate landscape in New York City made saving up for a downpayment on an apartment feel impossible. Then the pandemic exacerbated an already traumatic cycle of housing insecurity. “Housing in New York is just so brutal, and it’s not getting any easier.”
Through every rough season, Melissa knew what she was striving for: “Peace of mind of not having to move [and] a place to make my own.”
Finally, a breakthrough. Melissa applied for the Habitat NYC and Westchester SEED co-op in Brooklyn. Melissa was chosen from the lottery and accepted into our Home Purchase program. She filled out her paperwork and completed her sweat equity. The process was rigorous and challenging, but Melissa’s resilience and determination proved unfailing, and now, Melissa is a Habitat Homeowner! Through it all, Melissa says, “I just kept trying to focus on the goal of stability.”
Prior to homeownership, Melissa found herself couch surfing. “In that time, I would go and sit in my storage unit because I didn’t have anywhere to go.” It’s no wonder that becoming a homeowner is still sinking in. Bit by bit, Melissa is making her home a cozy and welcoming sanctuary. “Having a home where I can make it the way that I want it, has been very fun. I got a projector—we have friends over, and when my boyfriend’s son comes over, they all play video games on the projector. It’s so sweet.”
Reflecting on her journey to homeownership, Melissa recalls the first thing she did in her new home was, “Walk around and take a deep breath.”
Take a breath, Melissa. You’ve found your home now.
