“With our new home, I will be so proud of myself. It will give me a sense of stability and will push me to go even harder to achieve my future goals.”
For Katrina Hayes, a devoted Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs, life has been a journey marked by resilience, faith, and love for her family. As a single mother to her 18-year-old son Jarrion, Katrina has faced personal loss and housing uncertainty with unwavering strength. “God blessed me with four beautiful children,” she shared, “but due to tragic circumstances, only two remain. This home will be a place to honor them and create new memories.”
Currently living in a shared space with a friend, Katrina and Jarrion sleep in a single room—an overcrowded situation that lacks privacy and comfort. “It’s overwhelming and stressful,” she said. “We need our own place—a home where we belong, where we can create memories and feel at peace.” The rising cost of rent had made independence feel out of reach until the life-changing moment she was accepted into the Habitat for Humanity program. “I cried tears of joy while thanking God. I’ll never forget that day.”
Since joining the program, Katrina has already begun her sweat equity hours, working on build sites where she’s learned skills like landscaping and caulking. “I love being hands-on,” she said. “I want to learn how to use tools, maintain a home, and even build a deck one day.” She sees each hour as not just labor, but as a building block for her future. “It’s empowering to be part of creating something that will be mine— something I’ll pass on to my family.”
Looking ahead, Katrina envisions a home filled with warmth and love. “This is our final address,” she says with pride. “I’m looking forward to cooking for my family on the holidays, decorating the yard, and finally having my own room.” For Jarrion—a dreamer with goals of becoming a pilot, musician, and entrepreneur—this home will be a place of encouragement and inspiration. “Our home will give hope to my son and my grandchildren,” Katrina said. “It shows them that homeownership is possible.”
