INDIANAPOLIS — The journey to own your own home can be a difficult one, especially in this market. Now, a soon-to-be homeowner and several volunteers are making that American dream more attainable, and there's never been a greater need.
Briannca Kirtley never thought she'd own a home.
"Before children, I honestly said it kind of wasn't important, but then I don't know. Many people in my own family don't own a home yet, so this means a lot to be the first," Kirtley said.
Now, she's not only owning it, she's building it.
"It's like it's right there. It's so close. It's a dream come true, to be honest with you," Kirtley said.
She's helping others build their dream too on Indy's north side.
"To know that you're in a habitat program with a fixed mortgage, it's a really nice thing just to know that you won't be kicked out tomorrow because there's a $100 increase that doesn't necessarily work with your income," Kirtley said.
Friday, they made the finishing touches on the outside.
Habitat for Humanity and volunteers with NCAA are building up a neighborhood off North Capitol Avenue.
"Affordable home ownership is getting more and more out of reach for families in our community. The struggle is real," said Abri Hochstetler, spokesperson for Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. "We're reaching crisis levels, and so we're so grateful for sponsors and volunteers and donors who are making home ownership possible by partnering with Habitat for Humanity."
The organization has helped 34 local families this year own a home for the first time. That's a record.
"They're making this change for their families. We're just helping them make that change, but it's a long-term impact," Hochstetler said
Kirtley calls it a full-circle moment.
"Put the tree down that will be here 100 years from now. It's an amazing thing to see piece by piece, but more importantly, it shows you how to take care of something that you help build," Kirtley said.
She and her two daughters hope to move into their home in the summer. However, her work is never done.
"This is something I'll volunteer with forever because I know I'm helping another family member or another person that will be just like me, so they can be a homeowner and cross off their dreams," Kirtley said.
Habitat for Humanity is looking for more homeowners, volunteers and donations.
Homeowners who qualify will complete 200 hours of education and then help build their home.