SAN ANTONIO – The Hope Village neighborhood west of downtown has a new resident; the Amling family is moving in.
Crystal Amling is a single mother of two who has taken part in building and has purchased her new home with the help of Habitat for Humanity.
"Never had a house to call my own," Amling said.
That changed Thursday. Amling along with her 9- and 8-year-olds, had been living in an apartment until she qualified for the new home.
"I am 27 years old. I got my house and I never thought that I would be right here, where I am right now," Amling said.
The house has a little over a 1,000 square feet, has three bedrooms and two baths. Amling said there are so many advantages to owning a home. She said she is looking forward to having a nice backyard, complete with a storage shed, bigger closets, her own bathroom and washer and dryer connections.
"At my apartment, we don't have washer and dryer connections," Amling said.
Habitat for Humanity is celebrating their 40th year of building homes in San Antonio and Amling is moving into the 990th house.
"Home ownership is so important; it provides stability to families," said Stephanie Wiese, vice president of Habitat for Humanity San Antonio. "Crystal represents all of our families, it is truly remarkable."
Amling put in the hours and can now reap the benefits thanks to a few helping hands.
"It's amazing, this program is out here for families like me and a family like everyone else here to help get affordable housing so we won't struggle," Amling said. "It's just awesome, awesome program."