Calvin is a single father of five. His oldest is 26 and lives on his own, his youngest, 11-year-old Brayden lives with him. Eight years ago, Calvin moved down from Seattle. He was an ironworker at the time, but a semi-truck accident left him unable to continue the physically demanding work.
Calvin draws his inspiration from his mother, who left his father when Calvin was 10. She struggled her entire life doing everything she could to provide a better situation for her children. Without her example, Calvin does not know if he would have believed a better life was possible. Her strength empowered him to always look forward and remain optimistic regardless of what lay ahead.
Calvin's path to housing stability was not easy. Self-described as a stylish but naturally nervous person, he faced anxiety about homeownership when program coordinators were initially unsure about his eligibility. Whenever obstacles arose, Calvin stressed deeply about his finances and his ability to keep his family secure.
To secure his home, Calvin had to navigate complex paperwork and processes that were completely outside his comfort zone. Program staff and his counselor, Rachel, guided him through the process. Through Habitat for Humanity, Calvin pushed past his anxieties, logged over 200 volunteer hours, and discovered a vibrant community. He even donated his extra "sweat equity" hours to a fellow participant whose mother is needed the extra help and was unable to do heavy lifting. The community rallied around him in return, with Calvin's own boss and coworkers volunteering on the build sites.
Now, Calvin and Brayden are finally settled into their own home, which they view as a true blessing. Calvin is no longer paying rent to a landlord; instead, he is building equity in a place of his own. This stability is grounding for Brayden, who has moved frequently throughout his childhood.
The new neighborhood is full of children, and Brayden is thrilled. For the 11-year-old, his new world revolves around three things: a nearby park, his own spacious bedroom, and the freedom to play safely outside with his dog. Currently, Brayden is eagerly waiting to set up a movie projector screen in his room. For Calvin, this milestone marks the beginning of an exciting, unfamiliar, and deeply rewarding journey.