According to a report from The Elkhart Truth, Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County celebrated two home closings this week as the Calderon and Drake families received the keys to their new homes — just in time for the holiday season.
Both families entered Habitat’s homeownership program in December 2024 and have since completed all program requirements — including sweat-equity hours, down payment savings, and homeownership and financial literacy courses — while helping build the very homes they now own.
On Tuesday, Carmen Calderon, a single mother to a 3-year-old daughter, closed on her new home.
“This home is more than walls and a roof,” she said. “It will provide my daughter with a safe place to grow up – this home will provide my family peace and stability.”
On Wednesday, Caitlin Drake, a single mother to two young boys, officially became a homeowner. She said she is excited for the future, knowing that her new home will offer a strong, stable foundation for her children.
THOR Industries sponsored and built the walls for the Drake family home. The Winnebago Industries Foundation sponsored the Calderon home, which also served as this year’s Women Build project.
Click here to read the full report from The Elkhart Truth. Note there is a paywall.
