CHICAGO — Vernell Norman is the first person in her family to claim the title "homeowner."
Ella Hippe, a Chicago Public Schools teacher for 25 years, isn't living below a leaking roof for the first time in 14 years.
On Saturday, Norman and Hippe celebrated the completion of each of their own homes in Morgan Park, made possible through 350 volunteer hours of their own time and the support of Habitat for Humanity Chicago and Thrivent Financial.
Both Norman and Hippe, single moms and Chicago natives, applied and were selected by Habitat for its Home Ownership Program, which helps families build new homes with the help of volunteers and offers a 30-year mortgage at a zero percent interest rate. Norman began building her house in 2014. Hippe began hers in 2013.
"Sometimes I'd come out here by myself and I'd just work," Norman said. "When you get to see how your house is put together, you appreciate it way more."
Hippe, who often works 11-hour days, said she was happy to provide better living conditions for her daughters, Lenisha and Thalma. They've all lived in a small West Side apartment for the last 14 years, she said.
When thanking the volunteers at Saturday's event, both Norman and Hippe were overcome with emotion.
"Every person that worked with me at Habitat worked with me beautifully, there was nothing that was too much," Hippe said. "If I didn't have a ride, they had a ride for me."
"Words cannot express the feelings I have for all the volunteers," Norman said. "We've become family over these last few years. They were here giving me hope … and pushing me forward."
Thrivent Financial, which provides funding and recruits volunteers to build Habitat homes for people like the Hippe and Norman families, aims to strengthen communities and families in Chicago.
"Opportunities like this give our members outlets to express their generosity, and ultimately invite their friends and family to experience the same," said Tony Escobar, who handles community engagement for Thrivent's Chicago region.
To top off the festivities Saturday, each family received a free one-month membership to the Kroc Center at 1250 W. 119th St., where they can access the fitness center, dance classes, swimming pool and basketball camps.
“You can do good things in life and not just focus on the bad,” Norman said. “I’m showing my family that no matter what you do, you can own a home. You can do whatever you want if you stay focused."
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