Habitat for Humanity - one family's story

Habitat for Humanity is one of the charities we are raising funds for through Hope Across the USA, our 4,000 mile bike ride starting June 20th. Here the story of one of their clients. Want to help - check out the donations page!!

Ali and Chance Gomez - Helt: Building a Future of Stability and Home

Ali and Chance Helt are a strong, determined couple whose story is rooted inresilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to their blended family of six.

High school sweethearts who found their way back to each other after yearsapart, they now live in Pleasant Grove, Utah—doing their best to make a homein circumstances that have often felt out of their control.

For years, the Helts have faced the emotional and financial strain of housinginsecurity. Their current two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment isovercrowded and inadequate for a family of their size. Every corner of theirsmall space is filled with books, laughter, and love—but there’s never enoughroom. Children share bedrooms with no space for privacy, play, or quiet study.Storage is limited. The single bathroom is a daily bottleneck. And despite theirbest efforts, the space they call home simply cannot meet their family’s basicneeds.

These living conditions have taken a toll. Like many working families in UtahCounty, Ali and Chance found themselves trapped in a cycle: rents rising fasterthan wages, housing prices climbing out of reach. They worked hard doublingtheir income, building their savings, and developing strong financial habits. Buteven then, homeownership remained just beyond reach. The stability theylonged to provide for their children felt like a dream slipping further away.

That dream reignited when a friend introduced them to Habitat for Humanity of Utah County. Inspired by the organization’s

mission, they decided to apply—hopeful but realistic, knowing how competitive the selection process could be. When theyreceived the call that they’d been accepted, disbelief gave way to overwhelming relief.

“My entire outlook on life changed instantly,” they shared. “It felt like our years of struggle were finally being seen. This home

means more than we can express—it’s our safety, our stability, our future.”

Ali works from home as a Member Support Representative for Shed, a pharmaceutical startup, while Chance is a self-employedbarber at Regal Barber Co. in Orem. Together, they are passionate about raising a close-knit, creative, and joyful family.

Their oldest son, Liam, nearly 11, is a top student with big dreams of designing video games. Logan, 10, is a natural builder whoonce “accidentally” won his school’s reading challenge. Felicity, 4, is bold, empathetic, and bursting with personality. Baby Erik,now 2 months old, spent 24 days in the NICU after birth—but he’s a fighter, already showing resilience that mirrors his family’s.And then there’s Max, their spirited pup and loyal companion.

The Helts cherish their life in Pleasant Grove—from local bookshops to the PG pool, family game nights to Strawberry Days.

Despite the challenges, they’ve built a life full of love and connection. What they’ve lacked is the foundation—a home that trulyfits and supports their family.

“To the donors, sponsors, and volunteers who made this possible—thank you,” they said. “You’ve given us the chance to stop just

surviving and finally start thriving. This home will be a place of peace, growth, and joy for generations to come.”

~ The Gomez-Helt Family