Habitat for Humanity gives family new hope and vision

By: Shelia Mader

A single mother of four is turning the key to a brand-new chapter in her life, literally, as April Lundgren and her children officially become the first residents of a newly constructed Habitat for Humanity home in a new subdivision in Marianna.

On Tuesday, Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity hosted a key presentation for Lundgren, marking the completion of the first home in a planned seven-home community. The four-bedroom, two-bath house is not just a roof over their heads, it represents years of hard work, perseverance, and community support.

Lundgren, a full-time waitress and devoted mother to Tucker (9), Oliver (8), Cooper (4), and Adalyn (2), said the opportunity is life changing.

“We are super excited for the house,” she shared. “We’ve never lived in a brand-new home, so we are over the moon that we have our own now. It does so much for my kids, it gives them a better sense of home because this is ours.”

The family is currently living in a cramped two-bedroom mobile home. Their new home means more space, privacy, and a fresh start.

“Two of the kids will get their own rooms,” Lundgren said with a smile. “We’re going to get to spread out a little more. The kids are super excited.”

Habitat Executive Director Kevin Yoder spoke to us prior to the presentation, emphasizing the dedication required of Habitat homeowners.

“All of our homeowners go through a rigorous process,” Yoder explained. “April completed financial literacy courses, homeownership education, and 500 sweat equity hours. She didn’t do it alone, friends, family, and members of her church pitched in.”

Yoder recalled how men from Lundgren’s church recently completed the landscaping on her home. “That’s the kind of support system we hope stays with her long after move-in day,” he said.

Lundgren has been in the Habitat program for nearly four years, working steadily toward this moment. During her maternity leave, two Habitat staff members generously donated sweat equity hours on her behalf.

“That gave me a real leg up,” she said. “I was able to complete my hours before anyone else, which meant I qualified for the first house.”

Her brothers plan to help her with the move, which she hopes to complete by August 15. “I may or may not have already planned my son’s birthday party there on the 16th,” she added with a laugh.

The home is built to Energy Star standards, with hurricane protection features and a fortified roof to ensure both safety and long-term affordability.

“Long-term affordability is part of our mission,” said Yoder. “We want families to have low utility bills and less worry about maintenance.”

Through Habitat’s partnership with local banks, Lundgren will own the home under a low-interest mortgage, just like any other homeowner. She’ll be responsible for mortgage payments, escrow, and upkeep.

But more than that, she’s building a future.

Tuesday’s ceremony marked not only the completion of a house, but the foundation of hope, stability, and opportunity for a hardworking family. With six more homes on the horizon, this new subdivision is poised to transform more lives, one key at a time.