Two first time homebuyers receive the keys to their rehabilitated Habitat home in Lansing. With an affordable mortgage, they purchased a home with which they have history - Damaris and Ismael's new old home.
About Damaris and Ismael
Mother and son, Damaris and Ismael, emigrated from Cuba in 2000 and made their way to Michigan in 2016 to be closer to family already living here. They have always rented a house, and they moved a number of times.
For 5 years, Damaris and Ismael rented a three-bedroom home owned by the Lansing Housing Commission. They loved its charm and neighborhood and had no plans to move, that is, until LHC announced they were selling over 200 single-family homes, including Damaris and Ismael’s home.
Actually owning a home was always a goal for the family since moving to the United States. However, the relatively higher wages and lower cost of living couldn't quite make their dream a reality.
Fortunately for Damaris and Ismael, LHC partnered with Habitat Capital Region, providing the family the special opportunity to purchase their home with an affordable mortgage through Habitat Capital Region’s Homeownership Program.
Meaningful Rehabilitation
After being accepted into the Homeownership Program, Damaris and Ismael got started on rehabilitation alongside 28 dedicated volunteers. The group went through rehabilitating every room in the house.
From fresh paint, all the way to brand new kitchen cabinets and appliances.
Knowing this could be their forever home, Habitat Capital Region also made it more accessible for Damaris.
“Mobility issues for my mom were addressed, especially with the ramp and the [step in shower in the] bathroom. We are super happy how things have gone and the quality of work, so we are super excited,” Ismael said. Because the family takes such pride in their home and keeps it up nicely, Habitat Capital Region didn’t have to do a total rehab and could alter to the home to better fit their needs.
On top of having a more accessible home, Ismael adds, “It’s a place I can finally call home for the first time. I want my mom to have her own place. That is the long term goal of buying this house. It’s for my mom.”
In total, a whopping 395 volunteer hours were put into the rehabilitation, and it shows!
Outside view of Damaris and Ismael's new old home, complete with an accessibility ramp.
Damaris and Ismael Purchase Their New Old Home
“We never thought in a million years that we could buy a house,” said Damaris. “ Being disabled, I can’t work. I would never have been able to afford to buy a house. I am grateful to my son that he wants to buy a house along with me so I can have a place to live.”
Damaris and Ismael believe owning a home will enhance their stability and security while also helping them to better establish themselves in this country. Ismael and his mother take great pride in their home and neighborhood and have their hearts set on staying here for a long time.
Damaris and Ismael closed on their dream Habitat home in early June.
Partnership with Lansing Housing Commission
Habitat Capital Region rehabed several homes that are were owned by Lansing Housing Commission to sell to qualified, low- to moderate-income Habitat homebuyers like Damaris and Ismael. Through this partnership, single-family homes in the City of Lansing have been preserved for affordable homeownership.
LHC helped to reduce the costs typically associated with a Habitat homeownership project and house acquisition. Habitat Capital Region was able to more quickly serve people in need of a decent place to live. Damaris and Ismael's is the last of three homes rehabed and sold through this partnership.
Read about the other two families who purchased rehabilitated LHC homes.
