Habitat for Heroes – Spring’s Story
Spring enlisted in the Navy at the young age of 16. Many of her friends were starting to get into trouble, and she wanted to make sure she stayed on the right path. She was also excited by the opportunity to leave Richmond and do something different with her life.
Spring remained in the Navy for 10 years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. She then joined the Virginia Army National Guard, serving eight and a half additional years before medically retiring. In her time in the military she was awarded numerous medals in recognition of her service.
Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity has a special Homeownership Program for veterans called Habitat for Heroes. Through this program, veterans who qualify will not only receive an affordable mortgage, they will also receive a 25% discount in forgivable financing off the appraised value of the home and a reduction in the amount of sweat equity hours required. Spring found out about Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity from her cousin who purchased her home through Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program. Spring took a chance, applied, and was accepted.
Spring completed educational classes and over 200 hours of “sweat equity,” volunteering to build her home and support other Habitat projects. She purchased her home and paid an affordable, 0% interest mortgage, making her dream of homeownership a reality.
“Owning my own home will be the greatest thing to happen to myself and my family. Something that we can call our own. A place to finally put down roots, one spot that we can decorate and know that it is ours. I have been chasing this dream for so long; to give my kids someplace that would make them feel balanced and safe; where the phrase “my house” is the truth. I’m giving them the example that they can own their own homes if they work hard enough for it.”
– Spring, Habitat Homeowner
