In 2016, Melissa purchased a home in Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s Butler’s Preserve neighborhood. She was overjoyed—not only because it meant providing a stable place for her daughter but also because it gave her something valuable to pass down in the future.
“I wanted to show my daughter that homeownership is possible, that renting isn’t the only option,” Melissa shared. “I wanted her to see that with hard work, owning a home can be achieved, and really, the possibilities are endless if you set your mind to it.”
After settling into her home, Melissa concentrated on her job and supporting her daughter through high school and into college. Like many homeowners, insurance was not initially a priority.
“Then I got injured and lost my job,” she explained. “That gave me a chance to review my finances and documents more closely, which is when I noticed my insurance details.”
Melissa realized she was paying almost $5,000 annually for her homeowners insurance, a heavy financial burden especially while living off savings. She promptly reached out to Habitat Orlando & Osceola, where she was introduced to the Habitat Inspects program and received a complimentary wind mitigation inspection.
“My previous experience with Habitat taught me how important it is to maintain my home, so I was really interested in this program,” she said.
Following the inspection, Habitat staff helped her find a more affordable insurance policy that met her needs. Her new premium is around $1,700 per year, saving her roughly $3,300 compared to before.
“I’m truly grateful to Universal [and others] because they help us protect our homes—something we had to work hard for, dedicating two years of effort to get here,” Melissa remarked.
Through the Habitat Inspects initiative, she also participated in Habitat U classes led by specialists covering topics like insurance, emergency preparedness, and estate planning.
“I always paid my mortgage and cared for my property, but these classes really broadened my understanding,” Melissa noted. “Learning about hurricane risks, roofing, flood insurance—it was eye-opening.”
Today, Melissa feels more secure in her home than ever. She’s also focusing on healing from her injury, with the loving support of her dog, Fancy.
“She’s been a huge help in my recovery,” Melissa said. “If it weren’t for her, I don’t think I would have healed as well as I have. She’s a huge part of my life.”
“I wanted to show my daughter that homeownership is possible, that renting isn’t the only option,” Melissa shared. “I wanted her to see that with hard work, owning a home can be achieved, and really, the possibilities are endless if you set your mind to it.”
After settling into her home, Melissa concentrated on her job and supporting her daughter through high school and into college. Like many homeowners, insurance was not initially a priority.
“Then I got injured and lost my job,” she explained. “That gave me a chance to review my finances and documents more closely, which is when I noticed my insurance details.”
Melissa realized she was paying almost $5,000 annually for her homeowners insurance, a heavy financial burden especially while living off savings. She promptly reached out to Habitat Orlando & Osceola, where she was introduced to the Habitat Inspects program and received a complimentary wind mitigation inspection.
“My previous experience with Habitat taught me how important it is to maintain my home, so I was really interested in this program,” she said.
Following the inspection, Habitat staff helped her find a more affordable insurance policy that met her needs. Her new premium is around $1,700 per year, saving her roughly $3,300 compared to before.
“I’m truly grateful to Universal [and others] because they help us protect our homes—something we had to work hard for, dedicating two years of effort to get here,” Melissa remarked.
Through the Habitat Inspects initiative, she also participated in Habitat U classes led by specialists covering topics like insurance, emergency preparedness, and estate planning.
“I always paid my mortgage and cared for my property, but these classes really broadened my understanding,” Melissa noted. “Learning about hurricane risks, roofing, flood insurance—it was eye-opening.”
Today, Melissa feels more secure in her home than ever. She’s also focusing on healing from her injury, with the loving support of her dog, Fancy.
“She’s been a huge help in my recovery,” Melissa said. “If it weren’t for her, I don’t think I would have healed as well as I have. She’s a huge part of my life.”