Eight years ago, Barry and Vanessa began building their life together in McHenry County. They found a small apartment that was just right for their growing family, a place where laughter filled the rooms and memories took root. But as the years passed and their family expanded, their once-perfect space began to feel smaller by the day. “We were so grateful for the home we had,” Vanessa shared, “but as our family grew, we knew it was time for something more, a place with room for the kids to grow, and space to really call our own.”
Like so many families in Illinois, Barry and Vanessa faced the harsh reality of today’s housing market. Prices had climbed far beyond what their budget could reach. Every search for a home that met their family’s needs seemed to end the same way: out of reach, out of state, or out of options.
“It was heartbreaking to think we might have to leave McHenry County,” Barry recalled. “All of our family is here, our support system, our roots. The idea of moving away just didn’t feel right.” Like so many today, it’s not a desire to leave that makes families seek home elsewhere, it’s their only choice. Uprooting their lives was the last thing they wanted to do, but it was slowly becoming the only option they might have in order to continue to stay afloat. To give their kids the life they deserved instead of signing up for the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. They would do whatever it took to do the right thing. But why did that “right thing” feel so wrong?
Then, one day, something unexpected happened. Across the street from their apartment, they noticed a flurry of activity. Habitat for Humanity volunteers were beginning to build homes. Out of curiosity, they started researching the program. At first, they assumed they wouldn’t qualify. Surely, this program was for someone more in need of housing that they had? Their research soon showed that this program was looking for families just like theirs. First time homebuyers looking for a safe, stable home that they could actually afford. As their need for more space grew, so did their determination.
They reached out, sent emails, and applied to multiple open application cycles, hoping for a chance. “We kept trying,” Vanessa said. “We knew that if there was even a small chance to stay here, close to family, it was worth it.”
That persistence paid off. When Barry and Vanessa received the call that they had been selected to partner with Habitat, the moment was overwhelming. Relief, excitement, and gratitude all came rushing in.“We were so excited and so relieved,” Vanessa said. “This was our chance to finally make the change our family needed.”
Barry and Vanessa look forward to more than just being homeowners. They’re ready to deepen roots within the community without fear, and build something lasting, not just for themselves, but for their children.
“Our oldest daughter has her own room, privacy!” Vanessa laughs. “And for us, it’s the backyard. Having a place for our kids to play, for our family to make memories, that’s everything.”
For Barry and Vanessa, home is more than walls and windows. It’s opportunity, stability, and a place to grow together.
“We are so grateful for Habitat, the volunteers, and everyone who has supported us along the way,” Barry said. “We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Barry and Vanessa’s story is a reminder that every family deserves the chance to put down roots, build stability, and grow in a place they love. When you support Habitat for Humanity, you help make that possible.
Not just for one family, but for entire communities.