Homeowner Spotlight: Taysia's Journey to Homeownership

"It was my birthday present to me."

From Apartment Living to Homeownership

Taysia became a Habitat homeowner on December 29, 2023 – just two days after her birthday. What started as a desire for stable housing after living in an apartment with her dad has transformed into a journey of personal growth, financial literacy, and achieving the American dream.

"I wanted to apply because I felt like I was behind and I wanted to set myself up for future success," Taysia explains. The Habitat program offered her exactly what she was looking for: a path to homeownership that would provide both stability and opportunity.

A Comprehensive Learning Experience

Taysia's experience with Habitat went far beyond simply purchasing a home. The program's comprehensive approach included financial coaching, hands-on construction experience, and community support that helped her grow in ways she never expected.

"Everything was helpful, from the coaching and regularly meeting with my financial coach, taking part in building my own home, having my family and community step up to help me achieve my dream," she shares. "I grew in new ways and in areas I was unfamiliar with before starting the program."

Financial Literacy That Lasts

One of the most valuable aspects of Taysia's Habitat experience was learning essential financial skills. Through the program, she gained knowledge about:

• Building and maintaining credit – Understanding what impacts credit scores and how to protect them

• Equity and homeownership – Learning how homeownership builds wealth over time

• Budgeting and planning – Creating flexible budgets that adapt to changing circumstances

• Communication with lenders – Navigating the mortgage process with confidence

"The coaches at Habitat really want you to succeed, so they are going to help you figure out your budget no matter what," Taysia notes. "Even if that means things take longer, it's all worth it."

Building More Than Just a Home

Since becoming a homeowner, Taysia has achieved significant milestones that extend beyond her four walls. She's gained financial security, learned to invest in her future, and developed a responsible mindset that includes patience and strategic planning.

Her advice to others considering the program? "Remember, when you own your home you're putting more into something that you are going to get back. You're not losing it – you're paying into your future security rather than money to a landlord that is just gone."

A Message of Encouragement

For those considering applying to Habitat, Taysia offers both practical and emotional guidance:

Be prepared for growth: "Ask yourself if you are mentally prepared for the process. There's a lot of learning, a lot of growth, and you need to have the mindset of doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal."

You're not alone: "Even if you feel anxious, you're not alone through the process. There is a whole community at Habitat that is there to help you succeed."

The reward is worth it: "At the end of all the steps you have a fresh, new home that's yours, you'll have a real sense of accomplishment, and you will feel peaceful and hopeful knowing that you have your very own home. It's totally worth the wait."

Taysia's story demonstrates how Habitat's comprehensive approach to homeownership creates lasting change. From financial literacy to hands-on construction experience, the program prepares families not just to buy a home, but to thrive as homeowners.

Find out how you can get involved with Jackson Habitat's 20 by 28 campaign to create homeownership opportunities for 20 new homeowners like. Taysia by 2028.

Learn More!