Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Betty Jones sat alone searching for ways to tell her two young daughters that their Daddy wasn’t coming home. Earlier that day Betty had filed for divorce from her husband of six years. 

“I remember sitting there crying, thinking to myself this wasn’t the life I had hoped for my children,” said Betty. 

Living in a North Minneapolis subsidized housing unit and only being able to work part time, Betty considered moving back home.  A native of Peoria, Illinois she felt a move back would enable her children to receive care from family members while she worked full time. This notion quickly changed when, while walking home from work, Betty noticed a Habitat for Humanity sign in a neighboring yard. She noted the telephone number and within days was in the preliminary stages of the application process to buy a home.

Although she still considered it a long shot Betty told her children that if they qualified for a home they would be staying in the Minneapolis area. In June of 1990 the wait finally ended when Betty received a call notifying her that she had been selected for a home in Minneapolis.

“To be honest, I don’t think I could have gotten a home any other way,” said Betty. “With two kids and only working part time it wouldn’t have been enough. This home has been a true blessing for my family.  God is good.”

With volunteer help from her church, Betty completed her 300 sweat equity hours and moved into her rehabbed home in the fall of 1991.  Her daughters were thankful for the added space along with the fact that they didn’t have to switch schools. This was the first time either girl had their own room.

Since moving in, Betty has been able to watch her daughters graduate from high school and college, host Christmas dinner for family and friends, and create a safe place where her grandchildren can come to visit.  She has also renovated various areas of the house to add her own touch to the place. If you were to drive by her home, chances are you would see her outside maintaining the yard or socializing with neighbors she so cherishes.

Betty was able to pay off her home in 2005 and currently works at Abbott Northwestern hospital.  She continues to support Habitat as a member of the Family Services Advisory Committee. Betty is truly grateful for the opportunity Habitat gave her.

“It’s been a blessing for us to know that I started off in 1991 not having anything and now it’s 2007 and I can happily say this home is mine,” said Betty.

Contributed by Patrick Dunn