Building a Dream: Ana Duran’s Journey to Homeownership

Building a Dream: Ana Duran’s Journey to Homeownership

Posted on October 31, 2024

In Planada, Ana Duran’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. As a single mother of two boys, she is on the cusp of achieving her dream of homeownership through SHE’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. Her path has been shaped by perseverance and the support of her community. 

Ana’s journey began in 2019 when she first applied for the housing program. However, like many, she faced significant setbacks when COVID-19 brought everything to a halt. After reapplying in June 2023, her application faced challenges, leading to delays and uncertainty. At times she struggled to gather the necessary documents, especially regarding information about her children’s father, which added to her frustration. Yet, through it all, Ana never lost hope. Encouragement from Sintia Puckett, the loan processor for the program, was a lifeline for her. “She was always positive, which helped me keep going,” Ana shares. She was able to start construction on the home in February 2024 and her loan was officially approved in September 2024. Reflecting on her emotional rollercoaster, she expressed relief that despite the challenges, everything ultimately fell into place. 

When asked about her motivations for joining the program, Ana’s determination shines through. “At first, I thought it was too good to be true,” she admits. “But after hearing about it through community members and looking into it on the website, I knew I had to give it a try.” With no previous construction experience, Ana felt overwhelmed at first but also excited about the opportunity to learn. “Now I have gained skills I never even thought about before,” she says, proud of her newfound abilities. “At first, I didn’t realize that I didn’t even know how to hold a hammer correctly, but now I’ve helped put entire walls up.” 

The journey of building her home has also fostered connections with her neighbors. “At first, I was intimidated working with strangers, but I’ve made great relationships with the neighbors. We’re all going through the same things together,” Ana explains, emphasizing the sense of community that has emerged throughout the process. “I’ve even made friends with those who have kids around the same age as mine and who go to the same school together.” 

For Ana, building a home means creating a foundation for her family’s future. “This is truly going to change our lives,” she expresses. Living in a small apartment, she dreams of giving her boys their own rooms—a safe space they can call their own. “This is the biggest opportunity I felt I could give to them. It’s hard to own a home as a single mom, but I knew this was my chance.” Ana views this program as her chance to provide her children with a home they can claim as their own, rather than continuing to pay rent that doesn’t build equity. “We’re not just paying rent, we’re investing in our future.” 

As she looks forward to moving into their new home by the end of the year, Ana reflects on the lasting memories they will create. “I told my son that his graduation party will be the first celebration we have in our new home,” she beams.  

Support from family and friends has been crucial to Ana’s journey. Her father, despite his health issues, has been by her side, helping every step of the way. “Every time I see this house, I will remember that he helped make this happen,” she says, tears welling in her eyes. His support reflects the strong sense of community that has played a vital role in her progress similar to that over many other participating home builders. 

Ana’s journey stands as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. She encourages those in doubt to take the leap: “I would say to go for it because you just never know.” While it might be overwhelming at times, she emphasizes, “never give up.” As she nears the completion of her home, Ana’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance and community support, inspiring others to pursue their own paths to homeownership.