How often do people who were formerly homeless become homeowners? Bill and Donna Guthrie are convinced that it doesn't happen every day, and they believe it is God's grace that has brought them into their new Habitat home.

"You get really tight with people," Bill says. "It's like a family."

From homeless to homeowners

The Guthries are currently renting an apartment they cannot afford. "But we had to have a safe place to live," Donna explains. After leaving the Goodwill Inn, a homeless shelter, they had begun renting what Donna described as a "slum lord's apartment." They felt unsafe, and the apartment was not accessible for Bill, who is an amputee in a wheelchair.

They moved to a nicer apartment, but rent, when combined with their medical bills for Bill's diabetes and Donna's thyroid condition, was out of their reach.

Then the Guthries saw an advertisement for Habitat for Humanity. They called their local affiliate in Traverse City, MI., and since then, they say, "God has had his hand in our lives—this home has been God-directed." Even when the process hit temporary snags, things eventually fell into place. Now, the Guthries are within a month of their home's completion. "We'll be in it the day the Lord wants us to be," Bill says patiently.

Both Bill and Donna have been dedicated to the building of their home. Donna says at first she wasn't sure she could do it, but ultimately she surprised herself, getting involved with every step of the building process. "I have a more intimate relationship with this house than I do with my husband!" she jokes.

Despite his handicap, Bill also was fully involved in the home construction, installing insulation, painting, helping with the porches and more. He also offered support around the affiliate office to earn sweat-equity hours.

Even on days when there was construction activity Bill could not actively participate in, he was on site. "On cold days, he would sit in the van and keep the heater on so we could go warm up when we took breaks," Donna says. "He was there every day, and I know it was hard for him on the days he couldn't help."

Now that their home is nearing completion, the Guthries are getting even more excited. They are most excited about the affordability of their home; they will no longer have to do without food or medications to pay for their rent. They are also excited about having a fully accessible home. Bill will no longer be stuck indoors, nor will he have difficulty maneuvering the hallways or the bathroom. The new kitchen will even be set up so Bill can cook for himself. "I can go to work and know he's having a struggle-free day," Donna says.

Another thing the Guthries look forward to? Getting a pet. Both of their doctors have recommended a pet to help them reduce stress and particularly to keep Bill company during the day. "I can't wait to pick out a buddy," Bill grins.

"Expect nothing and you get everything," Donna says of her Habitat experience. She and Bill both agree that patience and flexibility are important during the building process, but ultimately everything works out for the best.

"You get really tight with people," Bill says. "It's like a family."