Tiffany’s Story
“Always be better. Even if you are doing good, be better. Take ownership and pride in everything you do.” This is a message Tiffany wants to instill in her children and one she clearly models in her own life.
Tiffany grew up on Chattanooga’s Southside in public housing with fond memories of catching fireflies, bugging her older twin brothers, and generally enjoying her childhood. A favorite family activity was and still is cooking together, especially Thanksgiving when they “throw down all the classics.” Tiffany’s mother is an excellent cook and the go-to person for help in the kitchen. “We didn’t know we were poor, but we were happy.” As a child, she took advantage of as many community programs as she could, attended summer camps, and even won a city-wide essay contest when she was twelve
Tiffany was truly inspired by her grandparents who owned a house near Alton Park and gave her and her siblings the structure they didn’t all the way have. She loved spending weekends and time with family
at their house. They were hard-working Christians and a model of stability who gave Tiffany the passion to want that for her own life.
Tiffany’s past living situation was full of ups and downs. Living on the third floor involves a long trek up stairs with armloads of grocery bags, the downstairs neighbors mandate the family to walk softly and be extra quiet, and the whole family shares a bathroom. So, Tiffany was more than ready to get on board with Habitat’s homeownership program after she was encouraged to apply by coworkers from the Sudanese community who are currently Habitat homeowners.
Getting through the program was challenging at first, getting in those sweat equity hours while juggling work, kids, family, and sleep. But Tiffany found inspiration, especially at the homeowner classes, and says, “This is really real, and I love it. The most fun has been classes, being around everybody, taking in all the knowledge.”
Landscaping class was her favorite class but she learned the most from the finance classes, taking in all the information about budgeting and getting the tools to build her credit.
Tiffany would encourage others to apply for the Habitat program. “Go for it. Be serious about it. Put your all into it. It’s a commitment, it’s dedication.” Tiffany says the most challenging part of homeownership will be “Maintaining the whole thing, taking care of my house. It’s all on me now.” But she’ll do great, especially with all the tools, education, and support from everyone at Habitat!
She plans to put up lawn furniture and take some “me time” to read, as well as host BBQs in the backyard. “I can’t wait to get out there in the dirt . . . plant impatiens in the front and a barbecue in the back.”