Future Habitat Homeowner Dominique at the 2026 Women Build Kickoff Party.
As a single mother of five, Dominique always hoped for a place where her kids could just be kids. However, the housing development they lived in made this simple hope feel out of reach.
“People don’t know what I’ve been through to get to where I am now,” Dominique said. “I’m trying to give my kids a better life.”
The unsafe conditions in their neighborhood made it difficult for her children to play outside freely, without worry for their safety. Inside their house, space was also limited. With three boys and two girls, the home itself could no longer accommodate the family’s growing needs. Clothes were tucked into the towel closet, and shoes were stacked on dressers. Everyday felt like a fight for room, Dominique shared.
Despite the challenges she faced, Dominique kept pushing forward. Her persistence and perseverance led to her being officially selected to Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program in January 2026.
One obstacle nearly stalled her progress: an incorrect collection on her account that blocked her from moving forward in her journey toward affordable homeownership. “She dealt with this obstacle that wasn’t moving and just needed a little bit of help to get it out of the way,” said Steven Gonzalez, her HUD-Certified Housing Counselor. “That’s what we do here at Habitat.”
Dominique said the support she’s received from the Habitat team and its community of supporters have made all the difference.
“When I say they have done everything, they made me feel like I’m the only one going through the program,” Dominique shared about Habitat’s Family Services team. “I’m so at peace with everything. I’m so excited.”
Through it all, she stayed focused. “I tell myself all the time. ‘It’s your time. God’s got you. God prepared you for this. It’s time for you to put your foot on the gas.’”
Dominique has been moving full speed ahead, with her sweat equity hours becoming one of her favorite parts of the program. “I had the time of my life,” Dominique said of her time on Habitat build sites.
She often brought her children to volunteer alongside her, turning the experience into a family affair. She and her son even worked on their own home together, and once they started volunteering, they didn’t want to stop.
Dominique’s commitment reflects the heart of Women Build, a campaign that empowers women-led households by engaging women and men in efforts to build safe and affordable homes. Her home is one of the two houses funded by this year’s Women Build, giving her family the opportunity for stability and a strong foundation for the future.
Now, Dominique says she is most excited for what their future Habitat home will make possible. “My kids having their own space,” she said. “My kids being able to go outside and play and not have to run from danger. I just want them to be kids. Kids have no business being locked up in the house all the time. Now, they’re going to have their own yard. They’re going to be able to go outside and play.”
As she looks ahead, Dominique takes pride in how far she has come. “No matter what came my way, I never gave up,” she said. “I kept pushing.”
