Lorreka Burton is a devoted mother, a lifelong learner, and a woman of deep resilience. For six years, she has worked with CLD Financial Life, balancing her professional role with her most cherished one: being mom to her three “heartbeats”—Ya Ya (14), Omari (11), and Losoni (6). “My heartbeats are the reason I continue striving for greatness,” she says. “I want us to thrive, not just survive.”
Over the past 13 years, Lorreka and her sons have lived in a small two-bedroom, two-bath apartment—one of the few sources of stability she had ever known. Despite its limited space and ongoing safety concerns, she remained there, working multiple jobs that didn’t offer livable wages and doing her best to provide for her family. “There isn’t a lot of storage space,” she reflects, “but we’ve always had somewhere to safely lay our heads.” Even when faced with harassment that forced legal intervention, Lorreka stood strong for her children—but knew they deserved more.
Through the Habitat homeownership program, she found not only hope, but purpose. Over the past nine months, she’s gained hands-on skills working on build sites—painting homes, installing doors and windows, using a circular saw, even laying sod (a task that took a toll on her knees but not her spirit). She’s earned Sweat Equity Hours not just in a classroom, but through grit and hard work, proving what’s possible when given a chance. “Life for us is all about laughter, connection, and discovering something new together,” she says—a motto that now carries even greater meaning as they prepare for a home of their own.
This home represents far more than four walls and a roof. It is a symbol of peace, safety, and long-awaited space for her children to grow into the best versions of themselves. “I asked God for three boys, and He blessed me with them,” Lorreka says with pride. “Now, I get to give them a place where they can blossom.” A free spirit at heart, she lives by the truth: “Not all who wander are lost.” Her journey is one of courage, faith, and the fierce belief that every family deserves a place to call home.
Lorreka invites you to get involved as a volunteer and help families like hers achieve the dream of homeownership. “You do not need to know a thing about construction to come out and build with Habitat,” says Lorreka. “The staff will teach you and you will learn and contribute more than you ever thought possible.” Start your shift today by visiting the Habitat Volunteer Page.
The Burton Family Home is sponsored by:
