“I’m excited to be part of this. Women are strong and powerful. Women can do anything and everything,” Dayanna says.

Dayanna and her three-year-old son, Liam, can’t wait to become homeowners. She shared that the Habitat program came into her life at the perfect time in 2022. She was navigating life as a single mom, and was considering moving out of Bloomington to be closer to other friends and family. When she heard about the program through others who had gone through the program already, she took it as a sign to stay. Dayanna has also gotten to know some of her future neighbors outside of the Habitat program, as they are also coworkers at the Bloomington Center for Global Children.

She has lived in overcrowded housing since moving to Bloomington five years ago, and is excited to soon have her own space, and the space for Liam to grow. Dayanna shared that even though her living situation has changed for the better within those five years, nothing will compare to the feeling of security and stability of owning her own home.

“The first thing I want to do in my home is to dance with my son,” Dayanna shared that this is a special thing that they share to celebrate milestones together. Their future home is going to be a great cause for big celebrations! “I have Pinterest boards full of ideas. I know I want my living room to be the heart of my home.”

Though she shared that she is nervous “about everything” that comes with being a homeowner – especially the new responsibilities that comes with it – Dayanna shared that she feels prepared because of the Homeowner Education Classes Habitat holds for future homeowners. In particular, Dayanna shared that she finds herself applying what she learned in the Money Management classes to her everyday life.

“I have enjoyed all stages of the program – classes, construction, ReStore.” Dayanna has enjoyed cleaning and organizing the salesfloor at ReStore, as she finds the tasks calming and relaxing. She looks forward to keeping her future home clean and tidy to her liking.

“Habitat is a great option. But, you must be patient. Everything in life is about patience. It is a virtue for a reason. Good things take time, but God’s timing is always right.”

Dayanna’s home was made possible by Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County’s Women+ Build.