“Right now, we are standing in our future home. It’s still just the bones of a house, but soon it’s going to be so much more.”
A few years ago, Joseph and Maria packed up their life and moved across the country to North Carolina. They were searching for new opportunities and a place where homeownership might one day be possible.
Walking through the framed walls of their future home, it was clear that this moment was the culmination of years spent working toward a stable, joyful future.
Like so many families, Joseph and Maria once believed that owning a home was out of reach. “We didn’t think that we would be able to afford it. That there would be sunshine in the house and a safe neighborhood for our kids to ride bikes in… it really is a prayer answered.”
With two young children, the couple decided several years ago that Maria would step away from her career as a dental assistant to stay home and homeschool. Within their family, she’s known as a “domestic engineer,” while Joseph currently works as an irrigation technician for the city of Raleigh.
Living on a single income felt like the best choice for their family, yet they acknowledged that it made homeownership feel even farther away. Even with two incomes in the past, a traditional mortgage was out of reach, and they are far from alone. For many families, the rising cost of child care and the long-standing gap between wages and housing prices mean every option feels like a compromise.
Through Habitat’s program, the Salazars found a different path to stability and long-term community. They are now building a future that reflects their values and their hopes for their children.
“We plan to make this home a blessing to many people, not just us. We really want to open our doors to friends and family. Right now where we’re living, it’s just not as possible to bless people and pour out in that way, but that’s what home will become for us.”
Something that made this lot selection visit even more meaningful was that Joseph had been on this site before. Homebuyers in Habitat Wake’s program contribute sweat equity hours on construction sites, but they are not always assigned to the home they will eventually purchase. It depends on volunteer availability and the construction phase of each house. In Joseph’s case, he has worked on this exact home several times.
“It’s been fantastic. I was able to see this home at different stages and meet some of the regular volunteers and contractors who have put time into our home. I can already see how much of a community we’ve made, and this is a confirmation that we’re in the right place.”
Watching Maria and Joseph walk through their future home felt like witnessing history unfold in real time. And as for the future? This family looks forward to planting a garden, raising their children to love Jesus, and taking family bike rides to the Wendell general store.
We are thrilled for this family as they prepare for their new life in Wendell and the vibrant community they will build there.
If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing an affordable home, please learn more about our program here: https://www.habitatwake.org/apply