Dreaming of "Normal”

When you’re used to being let down, it is difficult to dream. “I had a mindset that anything I would get would be taken away,” said Jill Harley.

It was only after talking to some friends, who had realized their own dreams, that she was able to change her way of thinking. It was then that she dreamed of owning a home and applied to partner with Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West.

Jill longs for a “normal” life for herself and three children, ages 3, 6 and 13. She wants to provide them with the security and stability that will come with owning her own home. Holding back her emotions, she explained, “I never had a home growing up, because we always moved from place to place. I want better for them.” She kept praying for the best, but felt homeownership was out of reach.

Up until last year, she and her children all shared a bedroom in her mother’s trailer in Mandeville. Now, they live in an apartment and are enjoying the extra bedroom. The new freedom inspired Jill to want to buy a house. She applied with Habitat, but was prepared for disappointment. To her surprise, Jill received a phone call announcing that she was selected to partner with Habitat to build and buy her own home. “It is such a blessing,” Jill said. “It still seems unreal to me.”

Jill works full time at a grocery store to support her family and takes pleasure in nurturing her children as unique individuals. She focuses on their education and plans to back to school herself.

The Harley family looks forward to having space to grow, a yard in which to play and the opportunity to get a dog. Their home will be sponsored in part by the funds raised at Habitat STW’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s fundraiser on March, 7, 2010.