Partner Family Stories

Marcelina Jose & Family

1109 E Wilson St,
Arcadia

  • New construction
  • First Trempealeau County home
  • Workforce housing project
  • $27,000 in funding from Pilgrims, where future homeowner is employed
  • First solar project in partnership with Focus on Energy and MREA

Marcelina knows a new home will be a life-changing opportunity for her and her five children: Leanni, Brianna, Jonathan, Christopher, and Ericsson.

Marcelina used to live in a small apartment that was not big enough for her family. Brothers and sisters were doubled- and tripled-up. When the weather was bad, there was nowhere to play and get the pent-up energy out. Water damage was visible and carried a musty odor throughout the apartment. She also paid a large portion of her monthly income for housing that just does not work.

Marcelina loves living in Arcadia. She has a steady job, and she works hard. She has an amazing group of friends. This makes for a great community to raise her family.

Being a homeowner is a dream come true for Marcelina and her family. When seeing the plans for her home for the first time, Marcelina could hardly believe it was real. Right now, the family is more than ready to jump right it and get started building their forever home.

Marcelina and her family completed 300 sweat equity hours working alongside Habitat staff and community volunteers to build her home. Marcelina has purchased the home from Habitat for the full appraised value utilizing a 0% interest loan. The homeowner is also in charge of paying the full property taxes and homeowner’s insurance on the home.