Finding Home: Melissa's Journey from Single Mom to Habitat Homeowner

A story of faith, perseverance, and community partnership

When Melissa Iocca became a mother at 25, her life looked nothing like the fairytale she'd imagined as a little girl. Gone was the dream of prince charming and the perfect storybook ending. What remained was something far more real, and ultimately far more remarkable: a fierce determination to provide the best possible life for her daughter Natalie, and an unwavering faith that would carry her through the challenges ahead.

Ten years later, that determination and faith have led Melissa to an achievement many single parents can only dream of: becoming a homeowner through Jackson Habitat for Humanity's partnership with UnityHorton.

A Village Takes Shape

On September 9, 2014, at 4:58 p.m., Melissa welcomed her daughter Natalie Kaye into the world. "The moment I first held her in my arms, I felt something so remarkable… the immense amount of love I had was unmatched," Melissa recalls. "I had fallen in love with my little precious baby just as soon as I laid eyes on her."

But Melissa quickly learned what every single parent discovers: it takes a village. Her mother provided childcare while she worked. Her father and stepmother got Natalie on the bus each morning. Sisters helped with overnight stays and never missed a sporting event. Her church family offered guidance and helped strengthen her relationship with God.

After years of renting apartments, Melissa and Natalie found a special place to call home: the parsonage belonging to The Horton Congregational Church. The small three-bedroom house with its own yard was close to family and in Natalie's school district. More importantly, when they started attending church there, they added even more loving relationships to their growing village.

"The love and kindness we have been shown over these past five years has been nothing short of a miracle in itself," Melissa says.

Taking the Next Stepping Stone

While grateful for their rental home, Melissa knew she was ready for her next challenge: homeownership. But as a single mother, the dream seemed financially out of reach. Until she learned about Habitat for Humanity.

"I will never forget the day I reached out to our pastor about the Habitat Home," she remembers. "I was so nervous, but really wanted some insight. Her encouraging words are still engraved into my mind to this day."

Melissa took the leap and applied. What followed was a journey of more than two years; one that tested her resolve but also revealed new purpose.

More Than Building a House

The Habitat homeownership process requires "sweat equity": volunteer hours that future homeowners contribute to earn their home. For Melissa, this requirement became an unexpected blessing. She completed her hours at the X-Change Teen Center, discovering a passion she never knew she had.

"When completing all of my volunteer hours at the teen center, there was a spark that ignited in me," she shares. "One that was no longer able to be overlooked. This spark came from sharing my time, my laughter, my smile and most importantly all the love from my heart."

The experience was so transformative that Melissa accepted a part-time position with the X-Change Teen Center, beginning in fall 2024. "For so long I never experienced the true beauty of being able to give back," she explains. "For all these years, in my mind, giving was associated with finances and that was never something I was able to share. What the Lord has taught me is that giving can come in so many forms."

Habitat's financial counseling also proved invaluable, helping Melissa create a budget and save for closing costs while walking alongside her every step of the way.

A Community Builds a Dream

Melissa's home is the result of an extraordinary partnership between Jackson Habitat for Humanity and UnityHorton, a collaborative of local churches committed to serving their community. The project brought together volunteers from multiple congregations, skilled construction crews, generous sponsors, and even cabinet makers from the Habitat Michigan Prison Build Program.

"You can see the love that was put into it just by looking around," Melissa says, her gratitude evident. From the careful placement of the siding to the intricate woodwork by the front door to the breathtaking handcrafted cabinets, every detail reflects the care of those who built it.

The home is designed to be Melissa and Natalie's "forever home", handicap accessible and built for long-term stability. "This in itself is a huge relief," Melissa notes. After years of moving from rental to rental, the permanence is invaluable.

Faith Through the Journey

Throughout the two-year process, Melissa leaned heavily on her faith, especially during the moments when giving up seemed easier than continuing. One verse carried her through:

Romans 5:3-5 - "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

"There have been times that I just felt like giving up! Throw my towel in and be done!" she admits. "In these times, I looked to the Lord. I asked for guidance and grace. He has carried me through those tough times."

Looking back, Melissa sees God's hand in every piece of her journey. "All the pieces have seemed to fit just so perfectly that there is no other explanation than, it was meant to be," she reflects. "Christ is king! I fully believe that he has brought me to this point and I finally have the ears to hear what he has destined for me to do."

A New Chapter Begins

As Melissa and Natalie prepared to move into their new home, she took time to pay closer attention to God's gifts and her purpose. "It sometimes can be difficult to stop all the noise around you and really focus on your purpose," she acknowledges. "But my want for us all is to slow down and try to let the Lord lead the way."

Her message to others facing similar challenges? Trust the process. "It's hard to know and understand the path the good Lord takes you on, but the biggest thing I have learned is to trust the process… he has this already mapped out."

Melissa's story is more than a tale of one family achieving homeownership. It's a testament to the power of community partnership, the transformative impact of giving back, and the remarkable things that happen when faith meets action.

"The truth of the matter is, homeownership would not be possible for me without Habitat for Humanity," Melissa says. "Habitat has given me my dream back. I might not have all the things that I dreamed of as that little girl, but I will be able to have the dream of owning my own home."

And perhaps more importantly, along the way she discovered dreams she never knew she had - dreams of serving others, of making a difference in her community, and of showing her daughter that with faith, perseverance, and the support of a loving village, anything is possible.