Future Habitat Homebuyer?Kiara is anticipating a new chapter in life as she prepares to settle into her very own home. Recently starting a new career as a personal banker, she’s excited about bringing her 10 years of customer service experience into the banking world. Originally from Pittsburgh, Kiara now calls Mint Hill home. “I love Mint Hill and I love Matthews. It’s meant for me,” she say.
Kiara and her partner, Justin, are raising a blended family, which includes her two children—Jolon, 12, and Anilee, 10—and Justin’s son, 4-year-old Kingston. “We’ve got a lot going on,” Kiara says with a laugh. “Jolon is really into football and his team just made the playoffs. Anilee is all about dance and cheerleading—anything with music. Kingston just started flag football, too, so it’s an exciting time for us.”
Currently, Kiara and her family are living in a cramped apartment, and it’s far from ideal. “It feels like everything is packed to the filling,” she admits. “We’re dealing with mildew, bugs, and it just doesn’t feel comfortable coming home.” Kiara has taken matters into her own hands, acting as her own exterminator, but she’s ready for a change. “I’ve always wanted to feel proud about my home, to have something that’s ours and to make it our own,” she says.
For Kiara, moving into a Habitat home means much more than extra space. It means a fresh start. “I’m looking forward to having space to host family gatherings,” she explains. With Justin’s family nearby in Albemarle and her own parents and relatives close, she’s excited to welcome everyone into their new home. “I’m ready to say, ‘this is ours,’ and decorate it the way I’ve always wanted.”
One thing Kiara is particularly looking forward to is family game nights. “We’re all super competitive,” she says with a grin. “UNO, Monopoly, Phase 10—we love it. I’m normally the one that wins, and I like to rub it in everyone’s face,” she adds playfully.
Kiara first heard about Habitat during a tough time in her life. “I applied in 2020 when I?was going through a rough patch during the pandemic,” she recalls. Though she didn’t qualify at the time, she kept her eye on the program. Now, after moving to Mint Hill, she’s excited to finally see the opportunity come full circle. “It’s meant to be,” she says.
Having a safe, affordable home means everything to Kiara. “For me, it’s about stability and comfort,” she says. “I want my kids to feel safe, to be able to go outside and play, and for me to feel at ease knowing they’re in a good area.” She’s looking forward to building a sense of community with her neighbors, watching her kids grow up in a place where they’re known and loved. “I’m excited for my kids to have that same experience I had growing up, where everyone knows each other.”
This new home is more than just a place to live. It’s a place where her family can grow, create new memories, and build a legacy together. “I can’t wait to say, ‘this is ours,’ and make it a home we all love,” she says.
