Habitat would like to send Congratulations to Lolita Frazier (Partner Family) for paying off her mortgage recently!
In 2001, Lolita and her three sons, J.R. (12), Cody (10), and Temeris (7), reapplied for the Habitat program, after an initial denial 10 years prior, to pursue the process of obtaining homeownership.
“I applied for the first time in 1991, recalls Frazier, “and I was rejected, which naturally devastated me. However, I persisted after receiving some support from my foster mother. I assured her that I would solve the problem. I have a strong sense of determination and know that I can do everything I set my mind to. I also wanted to encourage my sons to pursue their ambitions.”
After applying again, Frazier got an unexpected knock at her door and found the Habitat staff there to let her know she was approved into the program. “I really let out a happy scream of joy when they told me the wonderful news,” she remembers.
Lolita did not have a stable upbringing or family life, having grown up in foster care. Despite being told repeatedly that she would never succeed, she fought tenaciously to improve her life and the lives of her children. Frazier was able to provide her children with a secure and reasonably priced home thanks to Habitat for Humanity, breaking the cycle for her family.
While her foster mother kept an eye on her other children, Frazier worked on building their home alongside her son J.R., who was old enough to assist his mother in earning 250 hours of sweat equity. They grew close to the Thorntons, who lived next door. Their daughter, Cindy, would make cookies and serve them to the volunteers. Even now, the Thorntons and Fraziers are more like family, always looking out for one another.
Taken out of section 8 housing, Lolita says, “I never knew I would afford, or even get a home, not just a house.” Completing the Habitat journey encouraged her to push for other goals and objectives. In 2026, Frazier will receive her Associates of Applied Science in Business degree from DeVry University. She has been employed at Illinois State University's Campus Dining Services for the previous 20 years.
For almost 25 years, their home on Front St in Bloomington has provided them with excellent service. Lolita married Marvin Frazier in June 2003, and the two of them put forth a lot of effort to keep paying off their house. She also has three granddaughters, one grandson and one great-grandson.
Lolita is overjoyed to have paid off her house, even telling the clerk making her money order for her final payment, about what she was accomplishing with this check.
We are proud of Lolita and the 5 other families that paid off their mortgages in 2025!
