For as long as she can remember, Samantha has faced the challenge of finding accessible housing. Born with cerebral palsy, she has approached life’s obstacles with unwavering determination. But it’s not her challenges that define her. It’s her strength, the love she has for her family (both human and furry), and the relentless pursuit of her dreams, including the goal of homeownership.
Six years ago, Samantha moved to Bloomington from Greene County in search of better public transportation, hoping it would provide her with more independence and make it easier to find and maintain work. While the move has allowed her to secure a full-time position at Walmart, a job she truly enjoys, the living conditions she encountered have been far from ideal. “Most landlords think ADA compliance is just about fitting a wheelchair through the front door, but that’s only a small part of the puzzle,” Samantha said.
Samantha is currently living in an apartment she describes as unsafe, both inside and out. While it’s considered ADA accessible, the apartment has had its share of issues, from inadequate flooring to malfunctioning appliances and slow maintenance response times. Beyond the inside of her apartment, Samantha finds herself staying inside most days, unable to safely go outside without worry.
That future began to take shape when Samantha learned about Habitat for Humanity. Through her cousins, she was introduced to the program and decided to apply. However, due to income and debt requirements, her first two attempts were unsuccessful. Undeterred, she diligently paid off the majority of her debt in just eight months. “When I really want something, there’s no stopping me,” she said. “My dedication has really paid off.”
After applying to the program a third time, Samantha was accepted, and the success brought with it a deep sense of gratitude. “I’ve been through a lot in the past few years, losing my partner and our dog, but I kept pushing forward,” Samantha shared. “And I’m so glad I did.”
Through Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, Samantha is finally able to have a home where she no longer has to make sacrifices—one that is fully accessible and safe. “This is a great program for many people, but especially for those with disabilities like me,” Samantha said. “Not only was I able to give my input, but I also had knowledgeable experts by my side, helping me think through every detail.”
Samantha is excited to have a fenced-in backyard for her two beloved pets, Little Girl, her dog, and Tigger, her cat. “I can’t wait to sit and watch them play, knowing that I’ve worked so hard to create this life for us,” she said. As someone who loves cooking, she also looks forward to the kitchen, which she says will be her favorite part of the home.
Beyond the opportunity to build a home, Habitat has given Samantha a strong sense of community. “The entire process has been amazing, but my favorite part is the friendships I’ve made along the way,” she said. Soon, she will be living in a neighborhood alongside the friends she’s made through the Habitat program.
Overall, Samantha is excited to no longer make sacrifices in her daily life at home. “Thanks to Habitat and their amazing program, I’ll never have to do that again,” Samantha said, reflecting on the challenges she’s faced with housing. “I’m so blessed to be a part of this. It’s a dream come true.”
For Samantha, the journey to homeownership—and accessible housing in general—hasn’t been easy. But through hard work, determination, and the support of her friends, family, employer, and Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, she is on the verge of achieving a dream she’s held onto for years. Samantha’s new home marks the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.
Samantha’s home is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington.