Meet Future Homeowner Willy

Future Habitat Homeowner, Willy

Willy, a single father of two minor children, Zakansyel (7) and Taalib (9) is a Salisbury resident and future Habitat homeowner. He has worked at Northshore Educational Consortium in Beverly for the past nine years. Willy shares joint custody with the children’s mom but has had physical custody since 2016. Their mom lives in Florida and tries to be involved in their lives as much as possible.

Willy and his kids moved to Salisbury when their home in Roslindale was overcrowded. The kids had no backyard and they were looking for a safer community. Although they can always guarantee rent is paid, this does NOT ensure housing security, and the family is again at risk of losing their shelter since the landlord does not want to renew their lease. Stable accommodation is a constant stressor for Willy, as it is for the majority of our future homeowners.

Willy hopes to expand his education and start an undergraduate program in education and earn his bachelor’s in order to earn more money. Growing up in Haiti, Willy recalls how as a young boy, he helped build and maintain his own family home. In addition to his own skills, Willy also has many friends and family who are ready to help work off the required sweat-equity, and his mother is available to assist with childcare. All of his references were glowing and depict Willy as a helpful, caring person, who “would take great pride while helping build his future home and then would continue to show that pride by maintaining his property”

We are happy to work alongside Willy on a home that will contribute to stability and safety for his family.

Make a Donation

Help us ensure that all families have an opportunity — just like Willy’s — to purchase a safe, decent place to call home. Your gift will help us so we can partner with even more families across Essex County, creating lasting stability and safety for everyone in our community.