From Homeless to Homeowner: How Ray and His Family Built a New Life in Muncie

When Ray Hamilton began searching for a way out of the housing crisis he faced in Arizona, he never imagined that a simple online ad would change everything. But that's exactly what happened when he discovered MakeMyMove.

Today, Ray, his wife, and their granddaughter are happily settled into a new home in Muncie, Indiana — a place they now proudly call home.

A Harsh Reality in Phoenix

Ray worked full-time for the Department of Veterans Affairs and was employed throughout the challenges he faced. But even with a steady job, the rising cost of living in Phoenix became impossible to keep up with.

“We could barely afford to live in Phoenix,” Ray said. “Rent, groceries, gas—it all just kept going up.”

Over the course of just two years, Ray’s rent increased from $1,200 to $2,000 a month, a 66.7% spike that stretched his family’s finances to the breaking point. Arizona is among the states where rent has surged by more than 50%, according to Newsweek.

In 2023, Ray and his family were evicted from their 4-bedroom home despite his efforts to apply for rental assistance through Maricopa County.

“I was in the middle of applying for help when I got hospitalized for two weeks for a kidney transplant,” he explained. “They didn’t get my paperwork in time, and with the long list of applicants, I lost my place.”

With nowhere else to go, the family and two dogs temporarily moved in with friends in Arkansas. Over the next year, Ray focused on rebuilding: paying off outstanding rent, working closely with a mortgage company to improve his credit, and saving money. His wife is on disability, so his income is the primary support for their household.

Finding a Fresh Start Through MakeMyMove

When Ray first encountered an ad for MakeMyMove online, he was skeptical. “I thought, ‘Is this a scam?’” he admitted. “But I did my research, and it turned out to be legit.”

Encouraged by what he learned, Ray submitted applications to several communities across Indiana, hoping for a fresh start where homeownership was still within reach. Ultimately, he found his match in Muncie.

Having never visited Indiana before, Ray decided to take a leap of faith. He coordinated the purchase of a home remotely, working closely with his lender and realtor to ensure everything went smoothly. Through video tours and countless phone calls, Ray and his wife found a house that felt like the right fit — a place where they could build a new life together.

“I saw the listing, watched the walk-through video, and fell in love,” he said. “Everything just clicked.”

Why Muncie Made Sense

Affordability was a key factor in choosing Muncie. After carefully comparing options, Ray and his wife found that Muncie offered the best combination of housing prices, community amenities, and overall quality of life. The fact that Muncie is a college town, yet maintains a slower, more relaxed pace of life, was a bonus.

Beyond the economics, Ray was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the community. Compared to the hustle and anonymity of Phoenix, Muncie's welcoming atmosphere was a refreshing change. Neighbors waved hello, conversations sparked easily at local businesses, and there was an overall sense of belonging that was hard to find in larger cities.

"It’s a slower pace here," Ray shared. "People are friendlier. It’s been a very pleasant surprise."

Settling In

Ray, who works remotely in legal administration, found the transition seamless. His daily work routine remained steady, and he quickly adapted to life in Indiana. Even better, his remote work setup allowed him to maintain his career without disruption while enjoying the benefits of his new community.

“It was an adjustment,” Ray said. “But a good one. We’re saving money, and nothing about my work has changed.”

The move also brought positive changes to his personal life. After months of uncertainty and living with family members in Arkansas, Ray’s family finally had a home of their own, complete with room for their three beloved dogs, including a new addition: a spirited young corgi they adopted locally.

"Our dogs love it here," Ray said. "They finally have space to roam and play."

While Ray and his family haven't fully explored everything Muncie has to offer yet, they’re excited about the possibilities. As the weather warms, they’re looking forward to visiting local museums, exploring the Ball State University campus and spending more time enjoying outdoor spaces like local parks and lakes.

His granddaughter, who continues her homeschooling journey, has already begun settling in, and Ray is eager to explore more family-friendly activities around town.

Dreams for the Future

Ray is eager to deepen his roots in the community. He hopes to get involved in local activities, explore his passion for sports memorabilia by visiting local baseball card shops and experience more of what makes Muncie special.

“Right now, we’re still getting used to everything, but I want to get out more,” he said. “I’ve heard about some community events and local spots I’d love to check out.”

Beyond settling into daily routines, Ray has bigger dreams. He hopes to find ways to give back to his new hometown, whether through volunteering, attending community events, or simply being an active and positive presence. The sense of stability and possibility he feels now is a stark contrast to the uncertainty he faced just a year ago.

"There's a lot more I want to do here," Ray said. "We’re just getting started."

Most importantly, the move has provided Ray and his family with something invaluable: stability, community, and a sense of belonging. They’ve not only found a house — they’ve found a home.