40 Stories from 40 Years: A Blessing of Resilience

Teresa has been in her Habitat home for five years now, and despite the challenges of unplanned motherhood and a global pandemic, she found motivation in community connections and personal growth.

“I am Thankful, Grateful and Blessed,” Teresa said.  

Teresa reflects on this period where she had taken on motherhood for a second time, while also preparing to become a homeowner. She had dreams of creating a safe and stable home for herself and her daughter.  Her coworker’s son became a Habitat homeowner, which inspired Teresa to apply. 

“I went to that first homeownership orientation and was like, ‘I think I can do this.’ Going to the classes – it was just amazing.” 

Teresa talks about the support she received from Habitat, but in the end, it was really her own hard work that paid off.  

“Corinne (Habitat’s former Client Success Manager) held my hand, but I had my stuff together,” Teresa says. “I had worked at the same job for 13 years, so it was kind of a smooth process for me.” 

Teresa began her sweat equity hours just before the pandemic and worked hard to complete those hours. During that time, she helped build many of the Habitat homes in her own neighborhood, all while her daughter was just four years old. 

“I think I brought her by once,” Teresa recalls. “After that, she had it in her head, ‘We’re moving to a blue house.’”  

Before Teresa’s mother passed away last December, she was able to witness her daughter become a homeowner.  

“It was just a blessing to have her here in my home,” Teresa shares. “I know she was so proud of me.” 

Teresa now lives with her daughter and her dog, Kiwi. Teresa has stayed involved in Tacoma Habitat’s events, even speaking at a home dedication, and stays connected with the other Habitat homeowners in her neighborhood. She has a deep passion for housing and community. 

“I want to help others get homes; that’s my passion,” says Teresa enthusiastically. “Let’s go into that information session and start there!”