The day Ana stopped at a community event in Commerce City, she didn’t know it would change the future of her home—and her family.
When Ana and her husband bought their home in 2021, they believed in its potential. That optimism faded quickly as they realized how much work the house needed.
“It was in horrible condition… I cried when we bought it because I realized how much work we had to do,” Ana said.
They focused on fixing what they could inside, putting in time and effort to make the home livable. But outside, problems worsened. The siding deteriorated, windows let in cold air, and temporary fixes didn’t last.
“We’d replace pieces here and there, but it was like putting band-aids on something much bigger,” Ana said.
Then, at a local community event, she came across Habitat Metro Denver’s home repair program, offered in partnership with Commerce City. She decided to apply, was approved, and still felt unsure if it was real.
“After being approved, I didn’t feel like it was real until they actually started working on the home.”
Through the program, Ana’s home received critical repairs that their homeowners insurance had failed to help with, and that had been financially out of reach. These included new siding, windows, roof work, and gutters. The program also helped the family replace an outdated electrical panel, improving safety and allowing other repairs to move forward.
With each improvement, Ana’s family felt the change immediately.
“Our home now feels refreshed, cared for, and much more secure,” Ana said.
“We don’t feel the breeze through the windows anymore.”
But the biggest impact wasn’t visible—it was emotional relief.
“I feel like I can breathe. I feel like I can sleep at night,” she shared.
Today, Ana, her husband, their three-year-old daughter, and their two dogs have a renewed peace of mind and confidence that they can stay in their home affordably and safely for years to come.
Instead of spending every day off trying to keep up with repairs, they now have time to enjoy life together. Ana is looking forward to hosting family dinners more often.
Homeownership no longer feels like a constant burden—it feels stable.
Along the way, Ana built meaningful relationships with Habitat staff and volunteers. She worked alongside them, learned how to install siding, and even cooked meals on weekends as a way to say thank you.
“They didn’t make us feel like just another project… you can tell people truly care.”
The experience left a lasting impression. Ana and her husband now hope to volunteer in the future and support other community members the way they were supported.
What once felt uncertain now feels secure.
Instead of questioning whether they could keep their home, Ana’s family is looking ahead—toward a future filled with stability, growth, and lasting memories.
“My goal is to one day pass it down to my daughter,” she shared.
All because of a moment that almost passed by—a stop at a community event that led to something much bigger.
“I feel like I can breathe. I feel like I can sleep at night. There was always worry about how we were going to afford it—and now, there’s peace.”
– Ana, Home Repair Partner
