The Reida Burkett family

Reida Burkett and her three kids lived in a cramped mobile home in Iowa City, yet their belongings didn’t. The small space didn’t allow enough room for all their possessions, so Reida’s parents kept her things as the family lived in their mobile home. However, April 2, 2009 marked the beginning of the end; April 2nd was when construction began for this single mother’s new Habitat home, a home for her, her three beautiful kids, and their belongings.

Throughout Reida’s life, she grew up in the same house, a house filled with memories. More than anything, Reida wants the same for her kids, 12-year old Trevin, 7-year old Joseph, and 3-year-old MaKiya Lynn. Through Reida’s partnership with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, she’s been given a chance to provide her kids with stability, a home to fill with memories, and just as important, a back yard.

“It’s very important my kids can go outside and be kids,” Reida said. “I want my kids to experience looking back and having memories in their home. I want them to have a backyard and explore snakes and bugs and what not.”

The Housekeeping Manager at the Coralville Heartland Inn said she is thankful for Habitat, because without it she wouldn’t be able to afford a home of her own. Although she’s tried to apply for conventional mortgage loans in the past, she’s been denied based on her income.

But in early June, Reida became the new homeowner of two-story home located at in North Liberty. Through Habitat, she’s now able to give her kids their dream home while living on a fixed income. And although the single mother said it’s been steady rough times in the past, everything she’s gone through has made her work even harder in life.

“What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” Reida said. “I’m working for my kids and working for something better in life.”