Sometimes the little things are the easiest to take for granted. But when you have gone without the little things, they can become the most treasured.

That’s how Saquise feels about getting a home through Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. She says is most looking forward to having a yard where her two sons, Jeremiah, 10, and Micah, 7 can play basketball.      

She is also ready for the pride and responsibility of ownership. “I wanted a place to call my own,” Saquise said. “Renting was taking all my money, and I will never own it. I want to appreciate more in life than just getting by.”

Getting a house through Habitat is about more than just four walls for shelter. It is about a home to raise a family and work toward dreams, like Saquise’s dream for her boys that they finish college and grow into godly men.

Saquise and her boys know what it is like to be without. Five years ago, her family found themselves homeless after getting out of a situation with domestic violence. Fortunately, they were able to stay with her mother and stepfather until Saquise could get back on her feet.

At that same time, she began going to church and turned her life over to Christ. Her newfound spirituality has helped her through challenging times. “Jesus has been my help since then,” Shaquise said.  She often turns to her favorite verse, Phillipians 4:13, for support—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Shaquise is ready to start a new adventure with her boys in a home she can call her own. “I am so blessed and excited about getting a home,” she said. “I know this is just the beginning of a bright future.”