ShaTaylor's Story
“I’m a determined person. If there’s something I want I’m going to go out and get it. The kids not feeling so much of a struggle is important to me. That’s why this house has to happen,” ShaTaylor declares. ShaTaylor is determined, indeed. She is the young mom of an eleven-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son, and her priority is to create the best life possible for her children. That’s no surprise, as ShaTaylor comes from a family who is “very tight. We look out for each other. It’s my support system when it comes to my kids.” ShaTaylor is blessed with and surrounded by the love and support of her mom, dad, and extended family. ShaTaylor’s parents did not own a home, and that’s something her mom has always wished for. Owning her own home is one of the top goals on ShaTaylor’s priority list.
ShaTaylor moved out on her own when she turned 20, and after six years still lives in the same apartment. It’s getting quite cramped with one child who is ready to start middle school sharing a room with another who loves bouncing on his little trampoline. There are no laundry facilities, no yard or parking spot near the house, and they must be mindful of traffic.
ShaTaylor is especially excited for her and her kids to have their own yard and to host birthday parties and get-togethers. She says her “Granny has a green thumb. She’s going to help me plant in the front of the house.” The Habitat program has helped equip ShaTaylor to care for her new house, and “Credit classes and plumbing classes are my favorite because I need to know these things, especially at my age.”
ShaTaylor tells her friends about Habitat, says they need to apply, and shares what she learned. “If you apply, it’s something to look forward to. You have to be patient. But looking forward to it has been the most peaceful thing, because I know it’s coming.” And once the completion of ShaTaylor’s house has arrived and she’s settled in, she says, “My main goal will be scratched off my list. Then I’ll have time to focus on going back to school, studying socal work.” She’d like to become a teen mom advocate, to help young people along the way.
ShaTaylor is glad to be part of Habitat, believes in the importance of empowering young adults, especially mothers with kids, and after her home is built, she looks forward to helping out in the community any way she can.