Melissa and Connie Lizak share a special moment outside of Melissa’s home. Connie, a Women Build supporter and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presented Melissa with the American flag at her home dedication.
Like many single mothers, Melissa has had a lot on her plate. Working a full-time job, raising two boys and taking care of her fully disabled mother while dealing with the day-to-day challenges of life has always been a balancing act.
But last year, Melissa took a huge step toward stability when she partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties as the 2024 Women Build Homebuyer. Now, after living in her home for a year, she’s seen the fruits of her labor.
Melissa and her son pose on the slab of their future home, anticipating a day of hard work raising their walls.
“I was raised by women, and I see firsthand how hard we all work and never really get anywhere,” Melissa said. “I’m the first woman in our whole family to own her own home. I’m grateful for everybody, because I was able to do that for my family, even though the women in my family weren’t able to do it for me.”
Melissa’s story is a powerful example of how Habitat builds more than homes, we build brighter futures.
Since closing on her home, she’s been thriving. She’s paid off most of her debt, kept up with car payments and maintenance, and makes sure her bills are paid on time every month.
Not only that, but affordable homeownership through Habitat allowed her to save up for her first vacation— which she used to visit her ailing grandmother, whom she hadn’t seen in years.
Melissa’s youngest son also felt the impact of their new home. Before, he didn’t have a space of his own— and it showed in school. Now, with his own room, things have changed.
“I didn’t think that him not having his own space was that big of a deal because he was little,” she said. “But it really made a big, huge difference in all of our lives, because he’s not as stressed. He’s going to school, and he loves [it] now.”
Melissa says her favorite parts of the home are her kitchen and her bedroom, along with the lanai and backyard for hosting friends and family.
Melissa alongside volunteers at her Blessing & Build.
She looks back on her journey with deep pride and gratitude. She knows what it took to get here—300 sweat equity hours, 20+ hours of financial and homeownership classes, and paying $2,000 in closing costs.
“It’s just a sense of sense of pride,” Melissa said. “I’m proud of myself and I’m proud of everybody else too, because if it wasn’t for everybody, then how would we all be here, helping real people, real families.”
Melissa encourages anyone considering getting involved with Habitat to follow their heart.
“If you want to volunteer, if you want to try to get a house, or if you’re even donating, you have to do it because you want to and know that it’s right,” Melissa shared. “If you come from a good place, you will meet good people. You will see why this program is successful.”
