Deonhya’s Journey to Habitat Homeownership
Deonhya Purnell is a lifelong resident of Berlin, Maryland. She is the single mother to an adult daughter and two teenage sons who play football and wrestle at Stephen Decatur High School. For nearly 22 years, she’s worked at Food Lion, steadfastly providing for her family while dreaming of one day owning a home. Now, thanks to responsible planning, Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, and the generosity of the community, that dream is finally within reach. Deonhya is Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County’s partner in the 2025 Bishopville Build.
Growing up in Berlin meant Deonhya has always been deeply connected to a tight knit community. But as the town’s popularity grew, so did housing costs. Renting a comfortable apartment has become a steep financial challenge, especially for someone balancing the full-time roles of parent and provider. As her income gradually increased, she found herself caught in the middle: she earns too much to qualify for assistance programs, but not enough to secure a mortgage for a house of her own.
However, Deonhya never lost sight of what homeownership could mean for her children. Her oldest son is heading off to college this fall, and she wants her children to have a place they can always return to. Beyond that, she envisions a yard where her newborn grandchild will one day play, free from the cramped restrictions of apartment living. “A yard for my granddaughter, a place for my boys and their friends … it’s all I’ve ever wanted,” says Deonhya.
In her current apartment, Deonhya faces many of the drawbacks of renting: an inability to build equity, limited space,and a grueling three-story climb just to bring in groceries. She looks forward to simple pleasures that come with having a house of her own, such as being able to host family dinners and her sons decorating their own bedrooms with their trophies and awards. “I can’t wait to have my family over for Christmas. I want my older relatives to come see our home without having to climb 38 stairs,” Deonhya shares.
Deonhya also mentions the financial strain of supporting her teenage boys, who play multiple sports and are involved in their school community. She shoulders expenses for their activities and everyday needs while trying to save for the future, an effort made all the more difficult by high rent.
As part of the Habitat homeownership journey, Deonhya aims to show her children the importance of persistence, good credit, and smart money habits. She encourages them to distinguish between wants and needs, reminding them that sometimes it’s best to wait before making a purchase. “Your credit is everything. Keep your credit high,” she tells her children, emphasizing the value of staying patient, being responsible, and spending within your means. These lessons are especially important now as they edge closer to turning the key in the door of their very own house in Bishopville, just minutes away from their family and friends in Berlin.
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity has been a turning point for Deonhya’s journey. She’s both humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support—whether through donations, volunteer hours, or friendly encouragement from neighbors. “I’ve worked for so long and couldn’t qualify for many programs. Now, just seeing how the community is reaching out is heartwarming. It just means the world,” said Deonhya.
Habitat’s sweat equity program will allow Deonhya and her family to do work to facilitate the construction of their new home, fostering an even deeper sense of pride and connection. As construction gears up, Deonhya is eager to roll up her sleeves. Her family members are providing hands-on volunteer time helping to clear the lot and prepare the site. She looks forward to earning many sweat equity hours working at the ReStore as well as landscaping and assisting with construction finishes.
Together with Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Deonhya is on the verge of a life-changing milestone that will provide stability and comfort for her family for generations to come. “Habitat for Humanity partner families pay a monthly mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance just like any other homeowner. Habitat’s role is to work with the local community to accept monetary donations, labor, and materials that offset the cost to build creating increased affordability for Habitat partner families,” explained Andrea Bowland, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County.
If you’d like to help Deonhya’s family in their journey towards homeownership, please consider donating or volunteering. Your support provides more than just a house. It gives families a foundation for a stronger, brighter future. “This is a blessing. I’ve learned to accept help and am so grateful. A home of our own means everything to me and my family,” Deonhya shared.
Contribute to the 2025 Bishopville Build here: https://habitatworcester.org/how-to-help/donate/donate-online.html
