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As a single father, Mr. Wardlow views getting a Habitat home as improving life for himself and his two daughters, ages 19 and 20. “I want my daughters to see me work hard to do something to better myself and our living standards,” Mr. Wardlow says. “I want them to see me achieve this goal and know that anything is possible.”
Mr. Wardlow, who works on the city crews that collect leaves and bulky items, has learned a great deal during his time in the Habitat program. “The program is very helpful. We’ve had classes on banking, home buying, energy-saving tips, what it takes to have a home and sustain it. I’ve loved doing my sweat equity hours in the ReStore. It’s a nice place to work and I’ve gotten to meet new people.”
Purchasing a home of his own is far more than just providing shelter, he added. “A home is something I can leave them, and it’s an investment and a chance to build equity. It’s also been a very big self-esteem booster for me. Trying to buy a home on my own without the proper resources that Habitat provides would have been very hard. Habitat values people like me who are working hard but not at the level to be able to buy a home on their own.”
Mr. Wardlow wishes to thank everyone who is involved with Habitat – from the staff to the volunteers to those who support Habitat with financial gifts. “Their hard work and generosity is very appreciated. Keep doing what you’re doing because we need you. You are really changing lives and bringing out the best in people. I’m glad Habitat is here for us and here to help the community. There are a lot of things going on in the world right now, and the passion you bring to what you do gives people a lot of hope.”
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