Brian & Fa's Journey to Homeownership
The following are Brian's own words describing his journey to homeownership:
Who'd have thought trimming overgrown bushes could be fun and engaging for a whole community?
Recently, my neighborhood got together when we noticed some shrubbery obstructing parking and impacting nearby internet and power lines. Parents and children from houses all over the street gathered to cut back the overgrowth. It was a great day getting to know each other better while working together for the greater good of our community.
Beautiful things happen in neighborhoods like mine because of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and the donors who support Habitat.
It was a long journey to homeownership for my wife, Fa, and me. I was first introduced to CBHFH during my service in AmeriCorps. For three years, I helped Habitat build safe, efficient, and affordable housing for community members. I fell in love with the work: friends and neighbors coming together to help hardworking families achieve their dreams.
But I traveled constantly with AmeriCorps and found myself feeling rootless and longing for a sense of home. After completing my military service, Fa and I were ready to settle down. It was time to think about a career and buying a house.
We were all too aware of the lack of affordable housing and resources in the Berkshires to help us reach our goals. To make matters worse, red tape had often held up my government travel reimbursements, and we had difficulty recovering financially.
My prior experience with CBHFH gave me hope. I knew how much Habitat homeowners were uplifted by the communal aspect of the work.
There's no doubt in my mind that your support creates better communities because Habitat homeowners like me are
committed to giving back to the Berkshires in any way we can.
Will you make a donation to Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity today?
Not only does your gift enable CBHFH to help more deserving neighbors put Partnership Hours into their own affordable housing, but you also connect people with community partnerships and resources that empower homeowners to make the right financial decisions for their families.
CBHFH had our back from our very first inquiry, guiding us gently with wisdom and patience. They even helped us secure several grants from a local bank to help with closing costs. As I navigated my new job as a local firefighter, everything was finally coming together.
With the help of friends like you, Fa and I closed on our house at the end of September —and we are excited to have a place to call home as we welcome a new baby to our family just in time for the Holiday Season.
Your generosity gives homeowners like us a level of connection that just doesn't exist in the normal homebuying process. Ask most buyers, and they'll tell you it's all about bottom lines and financials. With your help, Habitat homeownership is about community. We don't overlook the value of creating relationships with our neighbors, coming together in ways that benefit everyone.
This doesn't happen everywhere. Our communities need more people who invest their hearts and souls into the places we call home. People who are nurses, first responders, teachers—members of society who wholeheartedly contribute what they can. And that's why CBHFH needs you.
There are so few options for affordable housing in the Berkshires and even fewer resources to connect deserving families with the tools needed to help them live happy and successful lives.
Gratefully yours,
Brian Kozaczek