Over the years, Olivia Ruiz has crisscrossed the entire United States in search of a stable life for her four children: Sherlyne, Kimberly, Ivan, and Jayden.

After living in Dallas, Texas; Naples, Florida; and San Diego, California; Olivia finally settled in Bryan, Texas, where she works full time at Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

Like so many working single moms, Olivia has struggled to make ends meet. The rent for the family’s three-bedroom, two-bath rental unit increased from $850 to $1,200 a month over four years. With the recent arrival of her first grandchild, the need for more space became even more urgent.

Olivia knew about Habitat for Humanity through her mother, who lives in a Habitat home in Naples, Florida, and encouraged her to apply for a home through Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. When her application was approved, Olivia vividly remembers receiving the news.

“My children and I were so happy because it was the biggest dream to have our own house, and we had been looking forward to realizing that dream ever since,” Olivia said.

That dream became even more real on Saturday, January 17, when Olivia and her family gathered with loved ones, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate the dedication of their new home. A milestone marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The family was eager to fully settle into their five-bedroom, two-bathroom home. The additional space will give the children more privacy and a better environment to focus on school, while also allowing the family to enjoy time together outdoors in their own yard. One thing that won’t change: Olivia’s two youngest boys still playing Nintendo together.

Reflecting on her journey to homeownership, Olivia says her Habitat experience has been one of the best of her life and taught her an important lesson.

“I have learned to be patient and wait for God’s timing,” she said. “It’s not just when you want something — it’s when He has it ready for you.”

Olivia extends heartfelt gratitude to the financial sponsors and volunteers who helped make her dream a reality, asking God to bless them abundantly.

“You really don’t know the happiness you are giving my children and me,” she said. “I have faith that once we have our own house, we will be better off financially, but — more important — we will finally know what having a true home really means.”