Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry organized to work with the local community to build simple, decent, affordable houses with those who lack adequate shelter.

Member of:

Home Builders Association of Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties, Inc.

Fond du Lac Association of Commerce

Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin

Habitat for Humanity International

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Meet the Schmitz Family

Tara and Catherine SchmitzMy name is Tara Schmitz. I was born and raised in Fond du Lac. I was the last class to graduate from Goodrich High School in 2001. I am a single mom working as a childcare teacher, raising my daughter on my own.

Since my daughter Catherine was born we have moved six times in six years, living with family or friends. They have not all been ideal living arrangements. In two of the places we lived we had to share a bedroom and even a bed. In one of the apartments,Catherine's room was a very small room you had to walk through to get to the bathroom. For one reason or another it never worked out living with friends. A few of times we moved in with my mom, but we were always dreaming of a home of our own. Currently we are again living with my mom in her half-finished attic. Luckily we have the half that is finished off.

A couple of months ago my brother was at a Builder's meeting, where Habitat for Humanity was speaking about the program. Thankfully he thought of me and Catherine as he listened. He thought I would be interested in applying for the program. I went to the meeting thinking I would never have a chance of having a stable home for my daughter but thought, "Why not give it a try?" I was so excited when Habitat called and told me that we were chosen for the house. All I was thinking was "Thank you, God!"- finally a place Catherine can call home and not be worried that we are going to move again.

I am grateful that my brother was at that meeting and thought of us. I don't know where we would be living next without his help. Catherine and I would like to thank Habitat for Humanity for this opportunity and helping to make our dream come true.