Carla Brewer is so excited about starting construction on her house, one of the seven that will be built during Habitat Charlotte’s Building on Faith blitz. Read about her journey with Habitat Charlotte.

A wide smile crosses Carla Brewer’s face as she opens the door for our afternoon interview. I am greeted warmly and enter the modestly furnished two-bedroom apartment she shares with her brother, grandson, two nephews and a niece.Soon they will all move into a five-bedroom, two-bath Habitat home being built through the generous support of Habitat Charlotte donors.

“I can’t wait!” she said, “we picked out our colors last Saturday and I just can’t wait”

The children scatter, some entertaining themselves with toys in a corner of the living room. The others disappear to watch cartoons in a bedroom while Carla and I begin to talk about her Habitat journey. As her story unfolds, it becomes clear how important this new home will be and the impact it will have on her family.

“It’s not just for us – it’s for the kids. It’s something we can call ours, and if anything happens, they (the kids) will have somewhere stable,” said Carla. “It’ll be a place for letting them know what love is.”

It took nearly three years and two applications for Carla finally to be accepted into the Habitat program. Past credit issues had to be resolved. But she put her mind to it, and with hard work and determination succeeded in eliminating the debt, a triumph she attributes to help and guidance received from Habitat Charlotte staff and, specifically, from Jill Franklin , Family Selection Coordinator.

Like all Habitat homeowners, Carla is required to invest 250 volunteer hours of sweat equity into building her home and helping others build theirs. This summer’s brutal heat gave that term new meaning. Yet, Carla is so grateful for the end result of her efforts, she doesn’t mind taking on the toughest or dirtiest jobs. And she is quick to point out that everyone she’s encountered in the Habitat process has been wonderful,

“I believe in Habitat. I love Habitat. I will be an advocate for Habitat” she beams.

Carla has a vision for her extended family as well as her new home. “We’re so eager about it. These kids will have somewhere stable. It might not be a mansion, but how many people can say they are getting to live in a five bedroom two bath house? It will be the best joy!”