“My primary concern for years has been the safety and stability of my family. To have this chance to establish that feels like the answer to our prayers – and now we have to do our part.”
Richard & Rebekah Miller are a married couple who met while performing in a play at a local community theatre. The two are now parents to four beautiful daughters and have begun their journey towards homeownership with Habitat for Humanity. Hannah, the oldest daughter, is nine years old and has followed in the footsteps of her parents and has developed an interest for the theatre. She also enjoys softball, reading Harry Potter, and singing. Samantha (Sammy) is the second oldest and is five years old. She enjoys art, building things with Legos and magnets, and playing dress up. Four-year-old Grace (Gracie) is the second youngest and loves art, Barbies, and playing dress up. The youngest in the family is two-year-old Margaret (Maggie) and she is most interested in music, dress up, and watching Bluey. The family of six describes themselves as a Catholic Family that is full of love. “Family is the most important thing in our lives, and we are so blessed to have a big one,” Richard tell us.
Before Hannah was born, Richard was offered a teaching job at Jesuit high school. He was blessed to find a job that would allow for Rebekah to stay home with the new baby when she arrived and would still provide financial support for his family. At the same time that his family grew, rent prices also skyrocketed. The family scrambled to find a cheaper home in order for them to save money to eventually purchase a home. “Since then, we went from two children to four, the cost of living has increased dramatically, the rental market has exploded, and our rent has ballooned again,” Richard explains. The family of six has much outgrown their deteriorating 2-bedroom 1-bathroom home that has crumbling bathroom, paint peeling, a leaking roof with a hole that remains unpatched by the landlord, and water damage from the leak. In addition, the neighborhood they are currently located is not safe enough for their daughters to play outside. “We are in no position to purchase a home in the traditional manner – and there is no prospect of finding a cheaper and larger home to rent.” The Miller family has taken the first step towards providing a safe and stable home for their children by applying for the Habitat program. Soon enough, they will have a forever home they can call their own.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We cannot screw this up.” These are the first thoughts that the family had when they learned that they were accepted into the program. Richard tell us that he is most excited for his girls having more room to be themselves, to play together or alone, to personalize their spaces, and for them to know that they will have a home for the rest of their lives.
For those interested in volunteering with Habitat, Richard says “Do it. Without hesitation. This is the single most practical way to help out families in need in your community, and by volunteering you are helping at least one family in a tangible way.” For more information on how to get involved with volunteering on one of our build sites, in the ReStore, or at one of our events, please visit our Volunteer Page on our website.
“My house will be a place of love and creativity. A place our children and their friends will feel safe and welcome.”
The Miller Family home was dedicated on August 8th, 2023.
