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Finding Home: Shirley and Jermaine's Journey to Stability

Shirley first met Jermaine during a time when they both were searching for stability. While Shirley grew up in the home they now inhabit, Jermaine's life was marked by constant movement from one rented place to another. Life took a turn when they welcomed their daughter, Ramiyah, but the loss of Shirley's mother brought further challenges. They entered a cycle of renting that was often challenging and unstable.

"We had decided a long time ago that we wanted a house for our family," Shirley reflects. 

The family often juggled different living situations, including cramped two-bedroom apartments where privacy was a distant dream, especially with three children in tow. One of their living arrangements was particularly unsafe, and they faced the daunting task of moving unexpectedly, all while Shirley was pregnant with their youngest, Jaliyah. Yet, there was always a lingering hope for something better.

That hope became a reality when North Side Development Group referred them to Habitat Spartanburg. “I was worried that we weren’t going to get approved. But then I received that call, saying we could join the program,” Shirley recalls. “You gave us hope, and you believed in us.”

Beyond the challenges of housing, Shirley faced hurdles in her career. After working in daycare for over a decade, she found herself uncertain of her next steps when the daycare she worked at closed. With encouragement from her daughter’s teacher, and despite doubting her own abilities, she began to pursue opportunities as a paraprofessional.

Her journey to passing the Parapro Test was another lesson in perseverance. After multiple attempts and many moments of self-doubt, she finally surpassed the passing score while pregnant with Jaliyah. “When I found out I had passed, I went to the bathroom and cried happy tears,” Shirley said. Her achievement serves not only as a personal victory but also as a powerful example for her children: “I’m showing my kids that if Mommy can do it, they can too.”

Today, Shirley stands proud as a teacher assistant paraprofessional, working to create a brighter future for her children. More importantly, she’s ensuring they have a safe place to call home—a space where dreams can flourish. “Our kids can have a safe place to live and grow up in,” Shirley declares, her determination evident.

At Habitat Spartanburg, we are inspired by stories like Shirley and Jermaine's. Their journey illustrates that with hard work, support, and belief in oneself, stability and homeownership are within reach. 

Join us in uplifting families like Shirley and Jermaine’s, empowering them not only to find a home but also to nurture their dreams in a safe and loving environment. Your support can make a profound difference. Consider donating or volunteering today.

Together, we can help families spark generational change while transforming our community!