ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. - Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday to kick off construction for a new home for the Allen family.

Brooke Allen, a single mother of five, will live in the home with her four youngest children.

For Allen, the home is not just for her and her children, but to show loved ones that homeownership is not only possible but something she's close to achieving.

She hopes owning a home will allow her to spend more time with family and afford things they can do together, like a trip to a theme park.

Since she was accepted into Habitat's homeownership program in the summer of 2021, Allen and her son have volunteered over 300 hours with Habitat.

“We’re excited to see another family given a chance to own their own home,” said Greg Conrad, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County. “Partnering with these hard-working families is so rewarding. We know that homeownership improves educational outcomes for children and helps a family build wealth.”