The Michelle Edwards Family

Following her divorce, Michelle Edwards decided to set three goals for herself so that she could create a better life for her family. Michelle made a commitment to go back to college and graduate, to buy a new car, and to buy her own home. She completed her three goals by graduating from Kirkwood Community College with a degree in Applied Science, buying a new car, and becoming a Partner Family with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Michelle partnered with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity to build a home for herself and three daughters, Jocelyn, Alyssa, and Hannah. “The girls are really excited I’ve reached all my goals,” said Michelle. “They keep saying, ‘Mom! You did it!’ and congratulate me. They’re proud!”

Michelle is not afraid to work hard for the things that she wants. She believes that those traits are important for setting good examples for her daughters to follow. Michelle is excited to build a home in Williamsburg and create stability for her family.

“I’ve had a taste of homeownership [when I was married],” she said. “I wanted a home to call our own to make memories in. I wanted my girls to be able to paint their rooms purple if they wanted to. I’d like to plant flowers and paint the bathroom if I feel like it.”

At one point, owning a home seemed impossible for Michelle, but thanks to Nicole Baker, another Partner Family with Iowa Valley Habitat, Michelle found motivation to apply to Habitat. Michelle and her daughters are now the proud owners of a new, energy-efficient, safe, and decent home in Williamsburg, IA. Michelle worked hard to complete her volunteer “sweat equity” hours, and received the keys to her new home in less than one year after she first applied for family partnership with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.