Dedication Date: February 25, 2020

Many of us are only a few missed pay periods away from having no place to lay our heads down at night. Melissa knows that feeling all too well. After experiencing domestic violence in her relationship, she left and moved into Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN) with her son while he was an infant. She vowed then that her family would never be homeless again. This situation pushed Melissa to work hard and strive for success. Melissa currently lives in subsidized housing through the Section 8 program.

The house that she is renting now has multiple issues and they are listed below:

• The floor sinking under the washer because of leaky plumbing
• Kitchen window is covered with Plexiglass
• Windows in the basement are broken and critters enter, such as rodents and cats
• The neighborhood is ridden with crime and drugs
• Mold in the bathroom and under the floor in the laundry room

Melissa wants to have a better, more stable future for herself and her children. She heard about Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus through some of her friends who were in the Homeownership program. After earning her sweat equity and taking the Dave Ramsey financial literacy classes, Melissa feels that she is now equipped with the tools to become a homeowner. She has made a few friends during this process that have truly helped her.  Her new home will provide her with more stability, and it will allow her children and future grandkids to have a safe place to visit.

Melissa is originally from Arizona and moved to Cabarrus County when she was in the 4^th grade. She has two children ages 20 and 16. She is also excited about being able to teach her children about working hard to get what they want and to never give up on their dreams.