Thank You to All of the Women and Women Led Organizations Who Joined Forces During Women Build Month.
Your Support Empowers Habitat Homeowners Like Diana Miller, a Cancer Survivor, Provide a Safe Haven from Foster Care, for Her Grandchildren.
Q: Tell us about your journey to Habitat homeownership?
A: I could only afford a one-bedroom apartment in North Austin. I dealt with parking issues, cramped spaces, loud noises, and other housing issues, making it particularly difficult for me to focus on my wellness. I am blessed to be a cancer survivor- 13 years cancer-free!! As someone who has gone through a divorce and is now a single woman, I work hard to provide for myself and my family. Now I will have room to take in my teenage grandson, who is currently in foster care, and help my granddaughter go to college.
I’ve always wanted to own my own home. I never thought I would have that opportunity as a Hispanic woman. But now, I am so grateful to have my own home and have reached this goal. Because of where I am today, I can provide a better future for my family and stay in my hometown of Austin.
Q: What do you enjoy about building on the Austin Habitat Construction site?
A: I love volunteering and seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they build homes together. I learned how to build a home and how to take care of it. I’ve really enjoyed making friends with my soon-to-be neighbors.
Diana Building on the Austin Habitat Construction Site
Q: How did your Habitat Home help you with your future plans?
A: I plan to continue to work until I can retire. Once I retire, I can work full-time or part-time as a Mary Kay consultant.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about your new home?
A: Finally, becoming a homeowner! I will have the opportunity to unite my family after many years of being apart. I want my children and grandchildren to come over more often and have a safe place for us to spend time together. I can’t wait to decorate my home exactly how I want to have guests over. I also am looking forward to being outside and working on my yard.
Diana at Her Home Dedication Ceremony
Q: How did your Habitat home help you build community?
A: I am going to be so proud of myself when I close on my home! I can’t wait to have neighbors and have a community. I look forward to gathering as a community to garden, cook, and craft with each other. I think building a community is so important to uplift each other in the place we call home.
Thank you to our Women Build partners Kendra Scott, DIRTT, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Workplace Resource, Grifols, Lowes, Austin Business Journal, Austin Women Magazine, and On The Dot Global, who helped raise awareness of the global need for safe and affordable housing for women.
We look forward to providing volunteer opportunities to celebrate Women Build this fall. Tune in to the July issue of Austin Women Magazine to learn more.
