A life-long Wilton resident and mother of two is the recipient of a new Habitat for Humanity home that is planned to be built in Wilton this year.
In a ceremony in Wilton Tuesday, Jocelyn Benson learned she and her children, Avian, 7, and Alyvia, 6, were selected among three applicants. The three-bedroom home is being built at 19 Pleasant Street.
“This is probably the only opportunity I would have had to own a home,” Benson said.
Homeownership was a long-term goal of hers, she said, but was not reachable at the time for her when she learned in February that Habitat for Humanity was accepting applications for a home planned to be built in Wilton.
Benson said while she cautioned her children not to get too invested, with no guarantees their family would be chosen, they had already scoured the floor plan of their potential home, picking out potential bedrooms and making plans.
“I tried not to get them too excited, but we had faith,” Benson said. “And it’s a blessing. My kids need a yard. They need more space.”
Benson, who works at a call center handling customer service in Nashua, said she and her children live in a two-bedroom apartment in Wilton. Her children share a bedroom.
“Which has worked until now, but they’re getting older, and they really need their own rooms,” Benson said.
Nora Boyle, a member of the Habitat for Humanity board, and a member of the committee that selected the Benson family said the fact the family was living in an apartment with not enough bedrooms for all the family members was a factor in the decision.
“This is our mission, to provide home ownership for that niche of working folks, who wouldn’t be able to afford a mortgage in the traditional way,” Boyle said.
Habitat for Humanity recipients often make under 50 percent of the average household median income for the area but must make enough to afford a no-interest mortgage and taxes on the house, as well as put down a one-percent interest down payment.
They must also donate their time: At least 350 hours of volunteering on their home build.
Benson said that won’t be a problem for her. She’s willing to work for her new home, she said, and will be bringing along an army of supporters, some of whom have skills in the building trades.
“I have so many family and friends that have been with me through this process, who have already said they want to help,” Benson said. “I’m excited to start the build and this new chapter. And I’m thankful.”
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.