Ravese and her daughter, Ga’Dejah (6), are so excited to be building their very own home.
Even though Ravese works for the state of Tennessee in an administrative role, she does not qualify for a conventional mortgage. She has dedicated a lot of time to working through the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Education program, participating in weekly budget classes and other educational opportunities to earn her sweat equity hours and prepare for successful homeownership. Through budget classes, she has also saved for the down payment on her affordable Habitat home.
Since the pandemic began, Ravese has been working from home. This has created its own set of problems and obstacles. The apartment complex where Ravese and Ga’Dejah are renting does not allow children to play outside. There is nowhere for Ga’Dejah to safely play or ride her bike while her mother continues to work and provide for her family. When Ga’Dejah is not in school and Ravese is working, she has to stay with her aunt so that she has a place to play.
Understandably, Ga’Dejah is incredibly thrilled about their future Habitat home. She asks her mom every day when they are going to move into the new house, because she knows that she’s going to live in a place where she can safely play and grow.
Ravese is also excited for “my daughter having somewhere to play.” Now that they will finally have a yard, the two are planning to plant flowers and a garden. Ravese also looks forward to “paying a mortgage instead of renting and seeing what my money is going towards every month.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Knoxville Habitat Board of Directors, Knoxville Mortgage Bankers Association and Traveler’s Insurance, Ravese and Ga’Dejah will soon know the peace and security that comes with their very own home.