Beth has been searching for her forever home for a long time.

At 19, she joined the Navy. “I think of it as retail. Everybody should try it once,” she said. She was looking for something new, and during her service she became an aviation mechanic, working on planes like the F18 ENF. While stationed in California, she also helped train new pilots.

After her time in the Navy, Beth moved around Minnesota, searching for a place where her kids could feel safe and settled. They found Lake City, and right away, something clicked.

Lake City had everything she had been looking for; near the water, a small-town feel, and a close-knit community. After moving into a rental home, Beth joined First Lutheran Church and got started on building her support system. Even so, she never quite felt like she could fully settle in and unpack. Something was still missing.

By chance about 4 years ago, Beth found herself at the same restaurant as Angie, our Homeowner Services Manager, and then struck up a conversation. That conversation changed everything.  Angie encouraged Beth to apply for the homeownership program.

“I looked into it for a couple of months and said, ‘What could it hurt?’”

She applied and was approved. Since then, she has been patiently waiting for her turn to move into a home of her own.

Beth is passionate about helping others understand the reality of Habitat homeownership.
“It’s assumed by a lot of people that Habitat homes are free,” she said. “I think it’s important for people to know that there’s a mortgage behind it, just at a rate people can afford.”

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a need for housing and have the ability to quality for, and pay, a mortgage coupled with a willingness to partner in building their home.

Beth adds, “Applying for a mortgage is the most intrusive thing I’ve done, other than joining the military.”

Throughout the process, she’s gained a deep appreciation for the Habitat for Humanity building experience and the people involved. Working alongside the Lake City Go 2 Team, a volunteer construction group, especially Bob Bidon, has been a highlight. “He’s definitely a loving man,” Beth said. “He makes the work seem not so bad.” Off the build site, Beth has found other ways to give back. Through connections at First Lutheran Church, she became involved with the local Environmental Learning Center