The Meaning of Home

17-year-old Leo Matthews loves to paint. His parents thought it was just a phase, and he’d grow out of it but his passion for art continued. He tried to express to his parents about wanting a career in the arts, but his parents disagreed, they told him there’s no money in art. Leo was certain he could. Days later Leo’s parents kicked him out with just his art in hand. Leo was desperate to find a place to stay. The first night he settled in an alley lying on the cold ground. After a terrible sleep he decided to head to the library and once he got there he started looking at the books and he saw one about something called Habitat for Humanity. He looked at it and read. This book was about how many people Habitat for Humanity has helped find homes for people who apply and how they purchase their home though no down payment. He read their mortgage was geared to their income and the people contribute at least 500 volunteer hours - that’s it! Leo went to the library’s laptops and applied. After 1 month he headed back to the library and checked. Leo got a reply that he needed to start by paying into his first mortgage. Leo started a job at a nearby coffee shop and got connected with a lending partner. He put down his first mortgage and was selected by a committee to get his keys for his new home. Leo started painting again and he got so far that he made a place for the public to look at his artwork. Thanks to Habit for Humanity because over 3 million people have found their homes, just like Leo