When you’re far off from your goal, learning that it may take years to reach a big financial milestone can be overwhelming. But when you have your heart set on achieving your big dream, the journey—no matter how long it takes—makes the story and the eventual success that much sweeter.

Earlier this month, the Allen Family moved into their brand new home. After years of working with their financial wellbeing coach, Jessica Hamel, Habit for Humanity gave them the keys to the next chapter of their financial future. This family of seven worked hard to achieve their goal, but it was worth every strategic move, sacrifice, and penny saved.

When the family first met Jessica in 2019, their finances weren’t in the best shape to qualify for a mortgage. With thousands of dollars in delinquent debt on their credit report, it would take strategy, a plan, and consistent execution to begin moving the needle in their favor. Nevertheless, keeping their dream in mind they persevered. While making progress towards their goal, they were severely affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of giving up on their dreams, they reset, recalibrated and recommitted to the process in early 2022.

Debt reduction and savings were at the top of their priority list. Using the tools they learned from Jessica, they took the money they received from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and paid down their debt and beefed up their savings. After remaining consistent with their plan and believing in their own financial prowess, they made it to their end-goal—homeownership.

Today, the family of seven is enjoying their custom built home, while celebrating love and achievement during Black History Month. Their story is a testament to the power of faith, family, and finances that are focused with financial literacy. They have changed the trajectory of their family’s life as they have taken the next step in creating generational wealth for their children and their children’s children.