“The work you put into this program is hard sometimes, but worth every hour, every drop of sweat in the end. “
Jill Mello, a dedicated single mother and criminal defense legal assistant at Bernhardt Riley Attorneys at Law, is on a remarkable journey towards stability and security with Habitat for Humanity. Jill has been working diligently to provide the best for her 12-year-old son, Brayden. “As a daughter of a single parent and now a single parent myself, stability has always been one of my number one concerns for Brayden and I,” Jill shares.
Growing up, Jill experienced the instability of bouncing between homes, schools, and counties. “That is not something I wanted for my son,” she explains. Jill’s goal has always been to break generational curses and provide Brayden with a stable home where he can build long-term friendships and feel a sense of pride. Brayden, an active and curious child, enjoys playing board games, reading, and participating in karate classes. Their small, close-knit family finds joy in traveling, trying new foods, and enjoying movie nights together.
When Jill learned she was accepted into the Habitat program, her first thought was one of immense gratitude. “Thank you, Jesus. I feel so unexplainably blessed to be in this program,” she recalls. Jill has been earning sweat equity by attending classes and events, finding the budgeting lessons particularly helpful. “I look forward to learning how to make repairs in my own home,” she says, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency. The sense of community within the program has also been a highlight for Jill, as she enjoys getting to know other participants and seeing familiar faces in her classes.
The prospect of owning a Habitat home brings Jill and Brayden immense hope and excitement. “I imagine no more moving, no more worrying about renewing a lease and the rates that come along with it,” Jill envisions. She looks forward to simple yet profound moments, like playing basketball with Brayden in the driveway and watching him and his friends play in the backyard. “My house will be beautiful, cared for, and a blessing to my son and I,” she declares with confidence. For Jill, home is where “chaos finds peace, where we can be ourselves, be comfortable and safe.”
Jill’s journey with Habitat for Humanity is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support. “Life feels hopeless sometimes. Times get hard and sometimes seem unmanageable, but there is hope,” she shares, encouraging others to consider the Habitat program. If you or someone you know is in need of a stable home and a supportive community, consider applying to or referring a friend to Habitat for Humanity by visiting our Apply Page. Together, we can build brighter futures for families like Jill and Brayden.
