Darlena McElroy is the loving mother of four children, one hers by birth, and the other three by adoption or guardianship from her family members to provide them the love and security of home and family. While she is long on love, her home is short on space. Darlena and the four children live in a two bedroom rental home on Des Moines' east side. Despite working two jobs at Trinity United Methodist Church and Children and Family Urban Ministries, Darlen could not afford adequate housing.

Learning of the hope provided by the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity program from a friend who was a Habitat homeowner, Darlena made application. She was accepted into the program in October 2003 and completed the homeownership classes a year later.

In the week prior to mother's day this year, work began on fulfilling the McElroy family dream. During the build, Darlena well exceeded her required sweat equity hours, working many days alongside the volunteers, and frequently visited the site on other days during her lunch hours. She now eagerly awaits the dedication of her new home and the opportunity of living somewhere with enough space for all the love she and the children have to give, a space that will allow her family the foundation of a brighter future.