The Boyd Family

Six people in a three-bedroom apartment. Does it make you claustrophobic just thinking about it? That’s daily life for Kimber, her four daughters, and her mother, Patty.

A few years ago, the six of them were struggling to find a decent place to live. “Before we moved in four years ago, we couldn’t find another place we could afford,” said Kimber. Patty quickly added, “And we had one week to find a place and move.”

Without more income or better credit, they were denied several times before finding their current apartment. Even then, they ran into some serious problems: water, mold, lack of air conditioning, broken appliances and more. “We want out of where we are at so badly, we couldn’t begin to tell you how badly we want it. We’ve wanted out of there as soon as we moved in,” explained Patty.

Kimber agreed. “Right now, it’s hard for my three youngest daughters to sleep in their room because it’s crowded and doesn’t have air conditioning,” she said. Most nights, at least one of Kimber’s daughters ends up sleeping on the couch.

Patty summed up their situation well in one word: frustrating.

Kimber attends The River at Warsaw Community Church, a group dedicated to helping and encouraging single moms. When Habitat’s application opened over the summer of 2023, the leader of The River shared it with the group. Simultaneously, Patty had a four-day stint in the hospital. Kimber said that the timing felt like God was guiding them to apply for Habitat. “We didn’t have any other options,” she added.

Within one week, Kimber finished and submitted their application. After follow-up questions and a home visit, Kimber got the call from Habitat: they were accepted! “She cried,” Patty said, pointing at Kimber, “For joy! It’s such a relief to know we’ll be able to get out of where we’re at.” Reliving the moment, Kimber teared up: “The realization that we could give my daughters a new home… that’s the biggest thing,” she said.

Given where they are coming from, Kimber is eager to get out of their apartment as soon as possible. When asked what they look forward to in a new home, Kimber and Patty stuck to the basics: “Air conditioning… and more space!”

For Kimber, space is critical to raising her daughters well. “We argue A LOT because no one has their own space to cool down in and be able to think and process,” said Kimber. “It will be a fresh start.” Both Kimber and Patty look forward to the common areas of the home: the living room, dining area and kitchen. With extra space in the bedrooms, they hope the common areas will be a place where they can come together as a family.

Kimber plans to work on the build site as part of the program, and she is excited to get out of her comfort zone. “I don’t do pictures, I don’t do public speaking, so it’s a chance to get out of my bubble a little bit,” Kimber said. Patty, because of her health, will be her cheerleader from the sideline throughout the whole process. “This is something Kimber has always wanted, I am very happy for her,” Patty added.

Imagining their future home, Kimber called it a dream come true. Patty agreed: “I was thinking the same thing!”

Although there is still plenty of work to do before move-in day, neither of them plans to give up. “There are drawbacks to having your own place, like having to fix everything yourself,” Patty said. “But there are so many more pros than cons, with the main one being the freedom and control you gain.”

Patty, Kimber and the four girls will need your help to make their dreams of homeownership a reality. Keep scrolling to learn how you can make their journey possible.