Habitat for Heroes – Springs Story

Habitat for Heroes – Spring’s Story

Spring Cambric enlisted in the Navy at the young age of 16. Many of her friends were starting to get into trouble, and she wanted to make sure she stayed on the right path.  She was also excited by the opportunity to leave Richmond and do something different with her life.

Spring remained in the Navy for ten years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. She then joined the Virginia Army National Guard, serving eight and a half additional years before medically retiring. In her time in the military she was awarded numerous medals in recognition of her service. Currently, Spring works at the Entrance Processing Station at Fort Lee Military Base. Her favorite part of her job is meeting new applicants and finding out what led them to make the life changing decision to join the military.

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity has a special Homeownership Program for Veteran called Habitat for Heroes. Through this program, veterans who qualify will not only receive an affordable mortgage, they will also receive a 25% discount in forgivable financing off the appraised value of the home and a reduction in the amount of sweat equity hours required.

Prior to applying for Richmond Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program, Spring attempted to qualify for a traditional mortgage twice. Unfortunately, she was denied due to her credit score being too low. Spring found out about Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity from her cousin who purchased her home through Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program more than ten years ago. Spring took a chance, applied, and was accepted.

Spring has completed ten educational classes and completed over 200 hours of “sweat equity,” volunteering to build her home and support other Habitat projects. Once her home is completed this week, she will purchase her home and pay an affordable, 0% interest mortgage, making her dream of homeownership a reality.

“Owning my own home will be the greatest thing to happen to myself and my family. Something that we can call our own. A place to finally put down roots, one spot that we can decorate and know that it is ours. I have been chasing this dream for so long; to give my kids someplace that would make them feel balanced and safe; where the phrase “my house” is the truth. I’m giving them the example that they can own their own homes if they work hard enough for it.”

– Spring Cambric, Future Homeowner