Family Stories

Tasheba Bell’s Story

I grew up in a neighborhood in New Orleans were alcohol, drugs, violence and partying were the norm. I had dreams of becoming a police officer in that neighborhood when I grew up.  I also dreamed of having my own home. I have lived in public housing all of my life. I just wanted something different from what I saw everyday growing up. I always dreamed of something different.

I moved to Kansas City in 2000 right after I graduated from high school with my mom and dad. I began working in childcare and continue to do so today. In December of 2006 I was blessed with a baby boy named Jaden. Jaden’s birth motivated me to find and live out that something different I had been dreaming about. I wanted better for him. I did not want him to grow up in and be a victim of public housing. I knew I had to try and get a home for him. However, there was no one willing to give me a loan because of my insufficient credit history.  Public housing was the only option, it seemed.

In 2009, a friend of mine told me about Habitat for Humanity Kansas City. I applied and was accepted into their homeownership program that year. I was and still am so grateful to God for allowing me to find out about Habitat and for placing such great people in my life. They have helped make my dream come true. I do not have to continue to raise my son in public housing! They were always there to give me an encouraging word and to help with any problem I had even when it was not anything concerning owning a home. Habitat prepared me by giving me lots of education on becoming a homeowner so when I move in I will be ready for the challenges that go with owning a home. Jaden’s father also proposed in 2009 (what a year!) and we were married on September 4, 2010. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity Kansas City for making this dream possible; for being a family and friend to me.

Habitat for Humanity Kansas City gave me hope because they care. They gave hope to someone like me who never thought I could be a homeowner. Habitat prepared me by giving me lots of education on becoming a homeowner so when I move in I will be ready for the challenges that go with owning a home. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and donors who donate their time and money to habitat because without you my dream would not have became a reality.