Thrive | Family Testimony | Family Partner Volunteer Opportunity
Rtw Family Testimony: Karin Ellis and Henry Jordan, Rebuilding the Wall homeowners, share their testimony.
When you came to Rtw, had you dreamed of homeownership?
We thought homeownership was a possibility but we didn’t have the money to get started. After talking to Rtw we realized
that homeownership was attainable. We wanted a house for our kids…we wanted a place that they could call home.
What was your experience with Rtw transitional housing?
It was so helpful because when we moved into the house we were able to catch up on our bills and pay off our gas bill and
other debt, it was a help, it was such a help. It was like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders.
What barriers did you overcome?
We had to pay our bills on time…pay our rent… we had to do everything on time, we couldn’t be late… that was a challenge for us.”
What does your home mean to you?
My home means everything to me…and everything to my husband. Our house is a reflection of what Henry and I tried to do all of those
years… now that we have a house we can do whatever we want. It’s just wonderful. They’ll have to carry us out of our house.”
What does Rtw mean to you?
Rtw means the world to us. Until we got involved with Rtw, we didn’t have any desire to try to pay bills and keep a roof over our
heads. When we met you guys, we found out that we could OWN a roof over our heads. You opened our eyes to so many other things
that we could do. We weren’t even thinking about Henry starting a business until we got our house.
How do you give back to the community?
“Every spring I get out in my yard and I start gardening. I try to bring some beauty to our neighborhood. I’m thinking about what
I’m going to put up next year. Henry and Karin also volunteer as Family Partners with Rtw. They partner in relationship with a
new Rtw family as they travel their own path to homeownership. They use their own knowledge and experience to support this family.
Henry and Karin also serve on the THRIVE Advisory Council.Henry caters through his “Thrill of the Grill” catering service.
Interested in Home Ownership?
Rebuilding the Wall is currently recruiting families interested in being first time homeowners in Citizen's King-Park & Martindale Brightwood Communities. Rebuilding the Wall partners with low income families to help them pursue their dream of first time homeownership. To qualify, families must be currently employed or have a steady source of income and must be able to devote six volunteer hours(per adult)per month toward the construction of their family home.
For more information contact Shelley at (317) 925-9789
