Lauralee and Bryant are a family of five working toward a more stable future. Lauralee and Bryant have three children, ages 12, 9, and 2. They love being outdoors— camping, hiking, and fishing—and enjoy quiet nights in with puzzles, trivia, and movie nights. Their daughter is passionate about art and music, while their 9-year-old is happiest playing sports or gaming. Lauralee and Bryant also hope to return to their shared woodworking hobby and dream of taking their kids to the ocean one day.

“The continuous rise of the cost of living has kept us in our 2-bedroom apartment despite outgrowing it years ago,” Lauralee explained. With limited space, one bathroom, and children sharing beds or sleeping on the couch, finding an affordable home big enough for their needs felt impossible. After encouragement from Bryant’s mom and their own search for stability, they turned to Habitat for Humanity’s homebuyer program.

Bryant, a military veteran, works as a retail store manager, a role he values for the leadership opportunities and its close proximity to home. Lauralee is a stay-at-home mom who plans to resume work or continue her education once their youngest is older. They dream of a home that offers room to grow—a place where they can plant a garden, enjoy backyard fires, play catch, and gather around a dining table for family meals. Lauralee mentioned, “owning our own home would give us so much pride and hope, a sense of relief, and the security of knowing we have room to grow!”

With an affordable mortgage, Lauralee and Bryant hope to address long-delayed car repairs, reduce financial stress, and begin saving for the future. Having the stability of an affordable home would allow them to focus more fully on their children’s needs and long-term goals.

When they learned they were accepted into Habitat’s homeownership program, they were overwhelmed with gratitude. They look forward to building their home alongside volunteers, learning new skills, and creating a safe and stable foundation for their children’s future.