Frustrated and overwhelmed with her housing situation, Krystal Jack decided to apply to the Lafayette Habitat for Humanity homeownership program in 2013. For two years, Krystal and her children Darren (12), DeMarrien (9), and DaMyni (4) had lived in a home with a terrible termite problem that caused them to lose all their furniture. The home lacked proper heating and insulation, there were plumbing issues and violence in the neighborhood. Krystal had attended an information meeting about the program back in 2009 but decided not to apply. However, just months away from her daughter’s birth in 2013, the time finally felt right. Krystal prayed for her application to succeed and while on maternity leave received a call from Habitat letting her know that she had been accepted into the program.
Through this process, Krystal has begun to open up more to other people and has felt more blessed by doing so. “For so long I’ve felt like I have been the only person in the world going through [these] struggles. After meeting so many awesome, caring, and loving individuals through this program, I can honestly say I have learned to open up and let people in!”
Additionally, Krystal has enjoyed the classes that she’s taken, especially the financial literacy courses. Thanks to what she learned in the course, Krystal has accomplished one of her long-term goals and has started a savings account. Moreover, Krystal notes that this experience has made her more appreciative: “Because of Habitat’s definition of sweat equity, working hard for what I want has become my motto! I can’t wait until I’m able to say, ‘I helped build my home from the ground up!’”
Above all, Krystal is looking forward to having a secure place for her and her children to call their home, and where they’ll be safe to go outside and enjoy their childhood. “I thank God for Habitat and this opportunity because I am living my dream and my dream is becoming a reality!”
Construction on the Jack home began in fall of 2017 and is expected to conclude by spring 2018.
Last updated 10/26/17
