Great neighbours and great friends - Layla and Marilyn's Habitat story
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We all dream of having great neighbours, but how special would it be for one of those neighbours to be going through and sharing some of life’s greatest moments with you – such as buying your first home!
That is part of the real life story of Marilyn and Layla, two single moms who, in 2011, met on the job site of their future Habitat homes, never imagining the friendship that would blossom in the years that followed – not only between them, but also between their children. “We connected really quickly,” says Marilyn. “It was great to have someone else there going through all the same things, like getting our “sweat equity” hours done, meeting all the people who were helping to build our homes, and learning how to be a homeowner,” adds Layla. The duplex, designed to make the most of the available space and to fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood, has created an atmosphere of trust and support for these two families that goes beyond the simple need for shelter. “We look out for each other and our kids,” shares Marilyn. “I can trust Layla with anything.” |
“We moved in on the same day and it was a very exciting time for both
of us. We got to share this experience and we are so grateful for the difference our homes have made for all of us.” Layla, Habitat Victoria Family |
Marilyn had two boys, and Layla two girls, all close in age. Rather than fencing their backyard down the middle, they left it open so the kids could play in the full yard where either mom could keep an eye on them. And then came pets “so when Layla got a dog, I did too! I just don’t need to feed it!” laughs Marilyn. For these two families, sharing space has meant all four children have grown up together. Now teenagers, if they forget their keys, they can simply go next door to grab a spare.
Please consider making a donation to Habitat Victoria's latest build projects today. Your support will help more local families build strength, stability and independence through our affordable homeownership program and contribute toward the building of eleven new Habitat homes over the coming year. We hope that all of our new partner families will have the same experiences as Marilyn and Layla, finding support and friendship with their neighbours and being part of building a stronger community.
Please consider making a donation to Habitat Victoria's latest build projects today. Your support will help more local families build strength, stability and independence through our affordable homeownership program and contribute toward the building of eleven new Habitat homes over the coming year. We hope that all of our new partner families will have the same experiences as Marilyn and Layla, finding support and friendship with their neighbours and being part of building a stronger community.
