Habitat's 2018 Catholic Build Gets Underway

Volunteers from St. Boniface Parish in Evansville began work on Habitat for Humanity-Evansville’s 2018 Catholic Build on Aug. 11. The home is located on South Grand Street.

Future homeowner Donna F. is a dedicated and hardworking mother of seven who is excited about the possibility of affordable homeownership. Her children include Ariel (23), Victoria (22), Dion (18), Thomas (13), Thoma-la (8), Thoma-lee (5), and De’amonte(6). Her youngest four children still live with their mom.

The family enjoys barbecuing, playing in the park, and playing board games together. Donna loves all sports, basketball being her favorite, and working on vehicles. Donna has spent the past two years working as a delivery driver for Autozone.

"I’ve always really been on my own. I’ve never had much of a family,” Donna said. “It’s been rough, but I’ve survived it.”

Since partnering with Habitat, Donna says her day-to-day routine hasn’t changed much – but it’s gotten busier. “I still go to work and pick up my kids every day, but now I have classes and sweat equity added in,” she said. “My general routine has just expanded to include more things.

“Owning my home will mean so much to me and my family,” Donna added. “The boys are excited to have a room that they can make their own.” Once the family is moved into their new Habitat home, Donna hopes to take the kids on a vacation. “Maybe we’ll go to Disneyworld or the beach,” she said. “I’ll have more financial freedom to do things once my children and I have a stable place to call home.”

Look for updates on the progress of the Catholic Build in future issues of The Message.