Meet Our Homeowners

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Welcome to the Block!
Welcome to the Block! 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Desmarie and her family recently moved into their new home on Maryland St. in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood.

She is the fifth and final new homeowner of 2024, and the fourth to move onto the block this year! We wish her and her family the very best as they settle into their new surroundings!

A note from the homeowner:

“Homeownership means so much to me, it represents security, the foundation for generational wealth, and the opportunity to provide stability for my family. It’s not just about owning a home; it’s about creating a safe space where memories will be made and a legacy can be passed down.

Thanks to the generosity of Habitat for Humanity Detroit’s sponsors and the selflessness of the volunteers, this dream has become a reality. Your support has given me more than a home; you’ve given me the chance to build a brighter future for myself and for generations to come.”

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Habitat Detroit Homeowner Named 2024 Homeowner of the Year by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
Habitat Detroit Homeowner Named 2024 Homeowner of the Year by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Donyelle Till, a homeowner with Habitat for Humanity Detroit, has been honored as the 2024 Homeowner of the Year by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. This award recognizes Till’s outstanding contributions to her community and embodiment of Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

Stephanie Osterland, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Detroit, commented on Donyelle Till’s award: “Donyelle embodies the spirit of community that Habitat Detroit strives to build. Since becoming a homeowner in 2009, she has tirelessly given back to her Morningside neighborhood. Her dedication to welcoming new homeowners, participating in community initiatives, and inspiring others makes her a true ambassador for Habitat’s mission. Donyelle’s journey shows how homeownership can transform not just a family, but an entire community.”

Donyelle Till purchased her Habitat Detroit home in 2009, seeking stability for her family. Over the past 15 years, she has become a pillar of the Morningside community, contributing in numerous ways:

  • Welcoming and supporting new Habitat homeowners as they adjust to homeownership
  • Serving on the Morningside Association election board, ensuring community representation
  • Participating in neighborhood cleanups and beautification efforts
  • Speaking at Habitat Home Dedications, sharing her inspiring story with new homeowners
  • Motivating program participants to overcome obstacles and persevere

Till’s impact extends to the next generation as well. Inspired by his mother’s dedication, her youngest child now works with the Eastside Development Corp., contributing to business development in the Morningside community.

The Homeowner of the Year award will be presented at Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s annual Affiliates in Motion (AIM) Conference on October 30, 2024 in Frankenmuth, MI.

Donyelle Till’s story exemplifies how Habitat for Humanity Detroit’s mission goes beyond providing affordable housing to building strong, resilient communities.

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No Shortage of Inspiration During International Women’s Month
No Shortage of Inspiration During International Women’s Month 1200 801 habitatdetroit

From Habitat Detroit staff, to volunteers, to homeowners, we don’t have to look far for inspirational female figures, stories, and mentors during International Women’s Month! Just take a look at our last three home dedications. All three homeowners are single mothers who put in years of hard work–not just for themselves, but for the future of their children. And that’s just in the last three months!

This growing number of female homeowners at Habitat Detroit is especially motivational given the relatively short history of female homeownership. Until 1900, women could not even own property in all 50 states. On top of that, women couldn’t get their own mortgages (without a male co-signer) until 1974! How far we’ve come!

We want to take a moment and recognize all of the women out there who have had a hand in making Habitat Detroit what it is today!

Did you know…

Across the U.S., single women own 2.71 million more homes than single men

In 1981, 73% of home buyers were married couples, 11% were single women and 10% were single men. Today, those shares stand at 59% married couples, 19% single women, and 10% single men.

Single women own and occupy 10.76 million homes in the U.S.

It wasn’t until 1900 that all states allowed women to hold property in their own names

It wasn’t until 1974 that women were apply for and obtain mortgages on their own —without a male co-signer

The median age of a single female first-time homebuyer is 38, compared to 37 for a single male

Women spend about 2% more when they buy a house than men and sell for 2% less. As a result, they realize 1.5% annualized lower returns, or $1,600 a year, on their homes. Sounds small, but it adds up to $20,000 over 13 years (the U.S. average length of homeownership)

Sources:
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/single-women-pursue-homeownership/
https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/state-womens-homeownership
Lending Tree
National Association of Realtors

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Welcoming New Homeowners to Morningside
Welcoming New Homeowners to Morningside 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Schaterika Matthews is the latest homeowner to be welcomed to the Habitat Detroit family, and she’s proud to show her young daughter that homeownership is possible. Ms. Matthews joins the growing list of hardworking people who have earned the title of Habitat Detroit homeowner.

The Matthews are the second family to become homeowners through Habitat Detroit this year.

“Becoming a homeowner is remarkable to me because this opportunity offers us generational wealth, certainty, and soundness,” noted Schaterika Matthews. “Any mother would want something to pass on to their child, and this house gives me the ability to do that. My daughter has had the joy of going through this homebuying process with me. It has changed my outlook and perspective on homebuying and real estate. I’m now building wealth and want to obtain the most out of life by being a homeowner.”

Homeownership through Habitat Detroit is a multi-year process that takes a lot of dedication and hard work on the homeowner’s part. Attending financial counseling, homeowner classes, and putting sweat equity into building the home represent some of the steps along the way to becoming official homeowners.

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