Lee County mom celebrates new home after years of housing struggles

LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Ilieana Villaman held the keys to her new home, a milestone she never imagined would arrive so soon.

"It doesn't feel real. It feels, like, it's just, it's so beautiful for me because I thought that I would maybe, maybe get a house when they were, like, 30," Villaman said. "They're going to have their own rooms. They're going to be able to run."

For the past three years, Villaman and her family have struggled to keep a roof over their heads.

"It felt like I was stuck. I felt like I was gonna be stuck there for a while," Villaman said. "And then my dad told me about habitat. I knew habitat was there."

Villaman expressed concern for others in need of housing assistance in Lee County.

"But there's so many other people like in Lee County that need help," Villaman said. "So, I was a little worried that I was just gonna be there forever. But now I'm here, and I'm so happy."

Karen Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity in Lee and Hendry Counties, discussed the ongoing need for affordable housing.

"After Hurricane Ian, we saw a peak. We couldn't even have the capacity to help all the families that were coming through the door," Rodriguez said. "Now, I think things have stabilized, but we still see a lot of help."

Villaman's new home is proof that assistance is available.

"If you have children, please don't struggle. Find help," Villaman said. "I'll help you. I can help you now, like guys, I'm gonna be a homeowner. I can help you. We can help you."

Villaman's journey to homeownership serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the support available in Lee County.