MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — 911 dispatchers work to help their communities on a daily basis. On Sunday, Coles County Habitat for Humanity returned the favor and lent a helping hand to one of those dispatchers.  

Aside from her day job, Cheyenne Temples is raising two young daughters. The family of three is one step closer to putting down roots in their forever home.

“It’s a blessing from God that’s for sure,” Temples said.

Temples and her two girls broke ground on the land that they’ll one day call “home.”

“It’s just a great moment to be able to see what their future holds,” Melissa McDaniel, Coles County Habitat for Humanity executive director, said. 

The eventual three-bedroom home will be a step up from where the family currently lives. 

“We live in a two-bedroom apartment right now, so to have the extra room and a backyard to play in that’s safe will be nice,” Temples said. “The [girls are] so excited we have a trampoline and a playset already.”

As a 911 dispatcher, Temples hears stories from all over Coles County. She said, because of that, it took her a while to find a safe site in one of the best neighborhoods.  

“In Cheyenne’s case and so many of our families, whether they’re living in unsafe neighborhoods or the structure of their home isn’t sound, affordable housing is life changing,” McDaniel said. 

The county’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter has helped more than 150 people land in safe places to live. Temples’ ground breaking ceremony was the 48th location where the organization has started the process of home ownership for a local family. 

“They put in 225 hours of sweat equity into building their home [and] take five different home ownership classes with us to make sure that they’re ready for this blessing of owning a home and what it means to have a mortgage payment,” McDaniel said. “These aren’t free homes, it is a true partnership and a hand up for them not a handout.”

Construction is expected to start this summer, but no matter the timeline, Temples said it’ll be well worth the wait.

“It’s definitely going to be our forever home,” Temples said. 

Coles County Habitat for Humanity is always looking for help. You can find out how to volunteer your time here.