The Joys of Homeownership
With the season of Thanksgiving upon us, we reflect on the joys of homeownership in the lives of our Habitat homeowners. We are blessed to have been able to give them a hand-up, and the stability they needed to flourish. One of our Habitat homeowner’s has certainly blossomed, with the opening of her own macaron business.
Background on the LaDuke’s Homeownership Journey:
Emily and Paul LaDuke have such a heartwarming homeownership story. The LaDukes previously had been renting and staying with relatives in order to live in their preferred neighborhood. During this time, they longed to own their own home, and reside in their beloved community with their young children. Unfortunately, saving up for a down payment on a house was nearly impossible, due to high rental costs and student loan debt.
Fortunately, a family friend’s positive experience with Habitat Monroe was the push the family needed to apply for our homeownership program. After a year of preparing their finances, they were officially accepted into the homeownership program. With hard work and determination, the family completed their sweat equity hours and certifications. This was all done while working, taking care of their son, Remy, and welcoming their new baby girl, Lexi, in April 2019. On June 9th of 2019, the LaDukes completed the homeownership program and moved into their Habitat home located in South Rockwood.
Emily and Paul were ecstatic to finally achieve their dream!
Comments from the LaDukes:
We worked really hard to get here, and it’s almost unbelievable!
We can’t thank Habitat and the volunteers, donors, and staff enough for how life-changing this opportunity is, not only for my family, but for all the families they’ve been able to help, and are still helping. The work of Habitat is life-changing, and we so appreciate everyone who gives what they can to make it happen!
This family’s diligence and endurance during their homeownership journey is so inspiring, and keeps us motivated to continue building safe, decent, and affordable housing in Monroe County.
Habitat Homeownership Program
Habitat Monroe strives to help local Monroe County residents to save money and achieve stability with our homeownership program. If you’ve always wanted to own a home, but don’t know where to start? Contact our Director of Family Services, Molly.
mmoore@habitatmonroemi.org
734.243.2048 x111
Or apply online HERE!
Our homeownership program provides available down payment assistance for qualified applicants at affordable rates. Habitat homes are built with energy-efficiency at the forefront, making the homes sustainable, and providing a way for a homeowner to save money. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us help you on your journey to homeownership!
Emily LaDuke’s Macaron Business
Currently, Emily and Paul, along with their two beautiful children, Remy and Lexi, are thriving in their Habitat home. The stability that they have gained has allowed them to pursue other ventures. In fact, Emily has started a successful pastry business out of her home called Macarons by Emmy.
Full of creativity and zeal, Emily creates these delicious French-inspired pastry treats. You can purchase macarons in fun flavors such as Fruity Pebbles, Maple, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Cookies & Cream, Tiramisu, Lemon Poppyseed, Rose, and more! She also offers a modern twist with her jumbo MacPops.
You can find Emily selling sweets like these at The Vintage Market at Taylor Conservatory, Trenton Farmers Market, Wyandotte Farmers Market & Artisan Fair, and other locations in the downriver area. In addition, she offers no-contact porch pick-up to those who are interested.
If you were an attendee at our 2021 Women’s Leadership Initiative Costumes & Cocktails fundraising event, you would have seen the delectable macaron favors provided by Macarons by Emmy, displayed at every table. Our guests raved at how scrumptious the autumn-inspired Pumpkin Spice & Maple desserts tasted.
At this event, we were blessed to have Emily LaDuke as a guest and presenter. Emily gave her Habitat homeownership testimony to our guests, about the importance of Habitat in our community. We are so proud of Emily and all that she has been able to accomplish, and want to spread the word of her business. Make sure to support local and contact Emily to satisfy all your macaron cravings this holiday season! You can find her on Facebook HERE!
2021 WLI Costumes & Cocktails