Funding a Dream

Your Support Builds Futures with Downpayment Assistance

Hickory, NC (Oct. 8, 2025)-

In a market where home values are soaring and wages are struggling to keep up, the math of homeownership simply doesn’t work for many hardworking families. The dream of a safe, stable home can feel utterly out of reach.

But at Habitat Catawba Valley, we believe homeownership should be attainable – not merely aspirational. For Hailey, becoming a mother changed everything-so she became a Habitat homeowner to change what was possible for her daughter, Genesis. Determined to build a better future, Hailey completed recovery treatment, graduated from transitional housing, secured steady work, obtained consistent housing, and saved money. Life was stable, but she wanted more. Her goal: homeownership by Genesis’ first day of kindergarten. A Habitat home is more than a foundation-it’s a door to greater opportunity. Affordable homeownership transforms every aspect of our lives.  

How do we keep mortgages affordable? Through our critical Downpayment Assistance Loan Program. A portion of every gift we receive helps provide these zero or low-interest loans, which act as a bridge over the affordability gap.

The Soaring Cost of Homeownership

The numbers tell a stark story:

• 72% vs. 42%: Over the last five years, the value of a typical Habitat home in Catawba Valley has increased by 72%, despite no changes to our house plans. Yet, the average income of our partner families has only increased by 42% in that same period.

• The Affordability Gap is Widening: This disparity creates a chasm that families cannot cross alone.

How You Are Building the Bridge

Our community’s support has allowed us to meet this challenge head-on. We’ve made a steadfast commitment to ensure that rising costs don’t lock our neighbors out of homeownership.

• +1,696%: Over the last five years, we have increased our total annual downpayment assistance by 1,696%.

• $537,900: In the last year alone, HCV provided $537,900 in downpayment assistance to keep homeownership within reach.

• 24%: We cap mortgage payments at 24% of a family’s monthly income, ensuring there is money left over for life’s other necessities.

The result? The average total house payment for a Habitat family over the last five years is just $689.58, including taxes and insurance.

This is the tangible impact of your support. It’s what makes stories like Hailey’s possible.

Hailey’s Story: A New Beginning for a Mother and Daughter

For Hailey, becoming a mother changed everything—so she became a Habitat homeowner to change what was possible for her daughter, Genesis.

“I chose the name Genesis because she was my light in the dark, and a beginning to a new life,” Hailey shares.

Determined to build a better future, Hailey completed recovery treatment, graduated from transitional housing, secured steady work, and saved money. Life was stable, but she wanted more. Her goal was clear: homeownership by Genesis’ first day of kindergarten.

“Homeownership was always a goal for me, but achieving that dream just seemed so impossible,” Hailey admits. “I thought living in apartments was going to be our story for the rest of our lives. I came to Habitat because I knew there was no other way.”

Through Habitat, Hailey put in her sweat equity, took financial management classes, built a savings plan, and finally received the keys to her own home. Along the way, she gained so much more than just a residence. She gained confidence and the satisfaction of watching Genesis return from kindergarten to a home of their own.

Most importantly, she gained the knowledge that Genesis is now 19% more likely to graduate high school and 50% more likely to attend college simply by growing up as the child of a homeowner.

As she marks her first year of homeownership, Hailey has earned a promotion, completed classes to become a Peer Support Specialist, and, most importantly, created a lasting foundation for her daughter.

You Keep the Door Open

Your support makes this increase in downpayment assistance possible. You are protecting families from rising costs and ensuring that, even in a challenging market, a safe, stable home is not a privilege for a few, but a possibility for many.

Will you help us ensure more families like Hailey’s can build a future where they can thrive?

Together, we are building stronger futures, one downpayment, one sweat equity hour, and one dream at a time

A Tool For Whatever Life Brings

Hickory, NC (July 8, 2025)-

For 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley has built more than just houses. We’ve built opportunity, stability, and hope. From first-time homebuyers planting roots to longtime homeowners preserving their homes for the next generation, Habitat walks alongside families through every phase of their housing journey.  

Ms. McIlwain’s story captures that journey beautifully. A single mother of four, she partnered with Habitat in 2009 to become the first homeowner in her family. That milestone, made possible through her grit, faith, and determination, created a foundation for her children’s future and became a symbol of everything she had worked so hard to achieve.  

Habitat’s commitment didn’t end when Ms. McIlwain received her keys. Years later, as her home began to show signs of wear and her health and income made it difficult to keep up with repairs, she reached out again. This time, Habitat returned through Habitat Repairs, replacing her HVAC system, addressing moisture damage, and repairing plumbing and drainage issues to help protect and preserve her home.

Her words reflect what makes Habitat different. We’re not just builders. We’re long-term partners.  

 Through our Homeownership Program, families like Ms. McIlwain’s gain access to safe, affordable housing along with the education and support needed to succeed. Through our Repairs Program, seniors, veterans, and long-standing homeowners receive help to maintain their homes, stay safe, and remain part of the communities they’ve helped shape. 

 Housing is more than shelter. It’s health, education, and financial security. Thanks to supporters like you, Ms. McIlwain isn’t just staying in her home—she’s preparing to pass it on. Her house has become a lasting gift to her children and a testament to what’s possible when community comes together. 

 As the need for affordable housing continues to grow, so does our commitment to meet it. With your support, we can build on the momentum of the past 40 years and create a future where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

🛠 Help Build What Comes Next

Your support powers every step of the journey—from the first key in the door to critical repairs that keep homes safe for generations. When you give, you help families lay strong foundations and protect what matters most. Let’s keep building. Homes. Futures. Hope.