Habitat didn’t just build us a house…

Gabby and Eric first learned about Habitat by attending a homeowner orientation. They always wanted a home of their own, but they didn’t think they would qualify. During the orientation they learned what they needed to do and soon enough they met all the qualifications necessary to become a first time home buyer with Habitat for Humanity.

Gabby and Eric completed their sweat equity hours quickly and moved into their home sooner than expected. They have been living and thriving in their home since 2012. “We feel blessed to have this home,” said Gabby.

*Then – Gabby and Eric when they first moved into their Habitat home in 2012.*

When the family moved-in, their two-year-old son was diagnosed with autism and their daughter was only one month old. Having a child with special needs is a full time job, but Gabby is upbeat and sincere when she talks about her family and their life. “Habitat didn’t just build us a house, they gave us a foundation for building a better life. I feel more positive and confident about our future,” said Gabby. “With this stability I have the strength and confidence to be better for my kids.”

Then – Gabby and Eric with two of their children in 2012, when they moved into their Habitat home

Currently, Gabby is working toward her degree in psychology and dreams of one day getting her doctorate. Eric has been working with Wells Fargo for 15 years and also takes classes at UNM. Last year he was promoted four times.

When asked what advice Gabby would give to someone who was thinking about applying for a Habitat home she said, “Do it! There is nothing more important to buy than a home.” She went on to add, “People don’t know what Habitat is. It’s a zero percent mortgage. An opportunity unlike anything else. I knew nothing about owning a home when we started the process years ago, but Habitat sent us to classes and we learned about managing our money and the importance of saving.”

When asked what Habitat means to the community Gabby said, “When you support Habitat you are giving a family the opportunity to move out of poverty so we can achieve more for ourselves and for our children. We would not be where we are today without your help. We owe everything to Habitat.”