There are few things in life that evoke a feeling of accomplishment quite like becoming a first-time homeowner, and for one local mother, that American Dream has finally become reality thanks to the help of the Lee County Habitat for Humanity, and a generous grant given to the organization by Lee County.
Ilieana Villaman is a single mother raising three small children — twin toddlers and a 4-year-old. Last May, she reached out to Habitat for Humanity in a desperate letter, longing for a safe alternative in which to raise her children. Without much money, Villaman lived in a small third-floor apartment with no elevator, making the trek up and down the stairs multiple times per day with two baby seats and a small child difficult and exhausting.
When Habitat for Humanity agreed to work with Villaman and help make her dream of homeownership a reality, there were multiple components to the process that needed to be completed – all while working, raising her family, and pursuing her dreams…