CEO Build Partner Family
Home Town Girls

Monique Bacas enjoys her job as a bank teller in Mandeville but never imagined she could afford to buy her own house or even rent an apartment on her salary. She even considered moving out of town to find an affordable housing option. But, all that is about to change since she has partnered with Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West.

In a casual conversation, Monique learned about Habitat through her client who happens to work with Habitat STW. Like so many others, Monique did not have a clear understanding about how Habitat works and who it helps. “I always thought Habitat was for people who truly have nothing,” Monique explained. “I mean, I have a job, take care of my daughter and pay my bills.” The Habitat STW employee explained that she would be an ideal candidate to partner and encouraged her to apply.

Her housing situation has never been what she would call “steady.” Monique’s grandparents raised her on the West Bank, but “moved around a lot from apartment to house, from city to city.” When she turned 15 years old, she moved in with her mother. Now, Monique and five-year-old daughter Milan live in her mother’s Covington house, which has turned into a mixed blessing. “My mom wants her personal space now and is urging me to get my own place as soon as possible.”

Monique was accepted as a Habitat partner in early summer 2009 and has been inspired by the support from her grandparents and Habitat. “My grandparents are awesome. They watch Milan for me on the weekends while I’m putting in my sweat equity hours and they even want to help build my house!”

Monique talks with Milan often about moving into their house. “It’ll be OUR house with lots of baby and mommy time,” Monique tells her.

“She is my everything,” Monique said. “I want her to grow up in a neighborhood, in one house and to have a real home-town and the opportunity to have life-long friends. And, now I can give her that.”

What started out as a casual conversation about Habitat for Humanity turned into life-changing event. Monique found she CAN afford to buy a home that will be close to where she works. All she needed was a hand-up.

For more information about CEO Build, please contact [ Al Dempsey ] at 985-893-3172.