Building Forever: A Journey to Homeownership
Written By: Katrina Machetta
What does it mean to be a first-time homeowner? For Melanie Marquez, it means building something lasting—“something forever”—for generations to come.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Melanie first learned about Habitat through a family member who lost their home in Hurricane Maria back in 2017. That experience stuck with her. Years later, now living in Mount Dora and working hard as a medical assistant, she started looking for her own way to build something stable—and remembered Habitat.
Though the process was both exciting and intimidating, Melanie describes it as a journey marked by constant support and reassurance. “It was scary and happy not knowing what to expect or do,” she said, “but I always had my questions answered. I never felt alone or unheard.”
The Home Ownership Program at Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is one of the organization’s cornerstone initiatives, focused on building affordable homes while providing tailored support to help new homeowners navigate their responsibilities and embrace their new roles.
Melanie applied not once, but three times before being selected. It wasn’t easy, but she never gave up. That determination and drive are just part of who she is. And when she finally got the call, she knew it was the beginning of something big.
Through this program, Melanie was finally given the opportunity to create a place she could truly call her own—a forever home.
“We can make it ours,” she shared. “When you rent a house, you can’t paint it the way you want. You can’t make it cozy because there are rules to follow. But having your own home means you can go home, make it cozy, and be together as a family. We can create good memories here.”
Right now, Melanie rents in Mount Dora—but soon, she’ll be turning the key to a home that’s completely hers. She’s excited, she’s grateful, and above all, she feels blessed to be creating a space that her family can grow into.
Melanie is quick to acknowledge that this home wasn’t simply given—it was earned. The journey was filled with hard work, dedication, and collaboration. After finally being accepted, she is deeply grateful for the chance to build a better future.
“I want to thank Habitat for all the help and support since day one,” she said. “Thank you for everything. And thank you to the students for all their hard work in building our forever home.”
For Melanie, this isn’t just a house—it’s a fresh start, a dream come true, and a chance to plant roots for the future.
Watch a special moment from this past Christmas, when Melanie surprised her children with the news that she was building their future home.