Tangela's Story

For Tangela, homeownership is the answer to many prayers after facing a season of unexpected hardship. She was living in her mother’s house—sharing space with her siblings, working night shifts, and sleeping on the couch—while still being a mother and grandmother. Though grateful to be surrounded by family, she longed for a space of her own.

Skyrocketing rent made that dream feel out of reach—until one night, after many tearful prayers, she felt her late sister’s voice say, “Go, get your house, Tangela.” Tangela applied to Habitat’s Homeownership Program, was accepted, and in December received the life-changing call—she was in the program.

Now, Tangela is proud to be settled in her very own Habitat home—Chattanooga’s 300th! She completed her sweat equity hours with enthusiasm, often showing up at the ReStore after working all night, always smiling, often with her mom by her side. Through Habitat’s classes, she gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of what it means to care for a home.

Tangela is excited to fill her home with love, cooking for her grandchildren and teaching them to cook, too. She plans to decorate, garden, and create a space full of beauty and pride. “I want my grandkids to grow up knowing they can achieve anything,” she says. For Tangela, this is more than a house—it’s a legacy. As she puts it, “I am living the Habitat mission: better homes, better community, and a better world.”