Tamesha is a kind, dedicated woman and a loving mom to her only daughter, Jacques (6), pronounced Juh-kweece, who is named after Tamesha’s own mother. She was born in Evansville and has spent most of her life here, aside from a few years in high school. She smiles when speaking about her child with an unmistakable fondness. “[Jacques] is happiest any time we are spending mommy-daughter time together. We love to go swimming, or I’ll take her to SkyZone. We’ve even gone up to the indoor waterpark in French Lick a couple of times,” she shares.

Tamesha keeps a very busy schedule. When she’s not with her daughter or putting in sweat equity hours with Habitat, she’s often at work. She’s been employed by Aetna, who was recently bought out by CVS, for almost 8 years now as a data analyst. Her time with Habitat includes volunteering in the ReStore and on construction of her own home. “I find myself doing things I never thought I’d do,” she notes with a laugh. “I’m out there working on construction and up on ladders, that kind of thing.”

Applying for the Habitat homeownership program was a clear choice for Tamesha. She currently lives in a 2-bedroom apartment and explains that while the living situation isn’t necessarily bad, it certainly could be improved. “My rent is getting higher and higher every year without any improvements being made. My apartment complex doesn’t always take care of the things that are needed, but again the price just keeps rising,” she says. “If I’m going to be putting all this money into [my living situation], I would much rather have it be this asset where I’m building equity.”

Tamesha had been aware of Habitat long before she decided to apply. She’d even looked into the application process in the past but hadn’t moved forward with it until last year. “When I did apply, I was so nervous and with each new part of it, I kept worrying I wouldn’t pass… but once I got the call that I was approved I was so happy!”

Now, 150 hours of sweat equity into the program— about halfway through! — Tamesha can envision how all her hard work is going to pay off. She is excited to start saving money so she can put Jacques into cheerleading and so the two can take a trip to visit Tamesha’s sister in Seattle, two things Jacques has been eager to do. She also knows the sense of stability and security a home will create for the family. “When we drive past other houses, Jacques tells me how bad she wants to have a home. She’s so excited to have a backyard to play in, and she’s so excited to be able to get a dog when we have our own yard,” Tamesha shares. “This house is going to be something permanent I can give my daughter. No matter what, this will be our home.”

To the volunteers who have worked on her home or donated money toward its building, Tamesha has one important message: thank you. “The volunteers including the Core Crew guys are so nice. I really appreciate all the hard work they put in. They are helping provide a better future for my daughter.”