On June 17, Habitat for Humanity Capital Region celebrated a milestone as Mario and Minerva received the keys to their new home on Ingham Street in Lansing.
Surrounded by family, friends, community partners, and supporters, the couple marked the beginning of a new chapter as homeowners. Their home is one of three Habitat homes located side-by-side on Ingham Street, made possible through support from the Ingham County Housing Trust Fund, Ingham County Land Bank, Jackson, MSUFCU, and the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, and many dedicated volunteers and community partners.
Among those supporters was the Waverly High School Class of 1975's Waverly Legacy Project, which raised more than $50,000 and spent a week volunteering on the build. Reuniting during the dedication ceremony, Waverly Legacy Project members presented the family with a homecoming gift basket filled with household essentials such as sugar and olive oil.
Habitat Capital Region board member Samantha Willett of the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation had the honor of presenting Mario and Minerva with the keys to their new home. “Handing the keys to Mario and Minerva was a moment I’ll always remember," said Willett. "Seeing how much that moment meant to them was a reminder of why Habitat’s work matters. I was honored to be part of such an important day for their family.”
For Mario and Minerva, this home represents stability, security, and opportunity, and it is a sanctuary where the family can gather for years to come. After the dedication ceremony, Minerva reflected on the impact homeownership has already had on their lives. "We are more self-confident, we have more self-esteem – it's a blessing," she said.
The journey required determination, patience, and hard work. Through Habitat Capital Region's homeownership program, the couple completed homeowner education courses and invested sweat equity hours into their own home. As they settle into their new neighborhood, they will join a growing community of Habitat homeowners who are building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
As they prepared to move into their new home, Mario offered encouragement to others who may be pursuing their own dreams of homeownership: "It's never too late."
See photos below:
About Habitat for Humanity Capital Region
Habitat for Humanity Capital Region brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Serving Ingham and Eaton counties, the organization partners with local families to provide affordable homeownership and critical home repairs, while engaging volunteers in meaningful service that transforms neighborhoods.
