Christmas came early for Juwan Martin this year when she bought her first home.
Juwan was among the first to enter NeighborWorks Columbus’ Homeownership Earned and Reached Together (HEART) Program in 2019, where she leased her home while working toward the goal of homeownership.
“It’s been such a blessing, and I now have something to leave for my children,” said Juwan, single mother to three children.
Prior to moving into her new home, Juwan and her young children lived in a house by the river, which was a breeding ground for allergens.
“For allergy sufferers like me and my son, it was awful just trying to breathe. I woke up with a headache every day,” said Juwan.
After nearly three years in her home, Juwan is happy to say the two have not had an episode like that since. This is the very definition of healthy housing. Not only has her home brought great physical health benefits—her family has thrived in their new space. Now a grandmother, Juwan says her family loves having a home for family to gather and a yard for her children and grandchildren to enjoy.