meet: natasha

While managing to take all three children to three different schools, Natasha was previously commuting from their home in Burlington to Durham where she works at Duke Regional Hospital as a housekeeper.

“Living in Burlington was difficult because it is such a long commute. But it was worth it because I love my job, I love all of the patients and the people I work with,” said Natasha. “Having our new home closer has made it so much better.”

Not only was the apartment far away, it also had mold issues that cause Mykia’s asthma to worsen. The landlord did not keep up on the property so Natasha had to pay the have the carpets deep cleaned every month to ensure that Mykia’s asthma stays under control. In her Habitat home Mykia’s room has laminate flooring that do not bother her asthma and saves Natasha money on cleaning.

“The apartment had mold and old carpeting that make it hard on Mykia’s asthma,” said Natasha. “It also had wiring issues where the wires burn and break, causing us to be without AC and heat at times. I’m so happy to now be in a safe home where I don’t have to worry about it harming the health and safety of my children.”

Natasha received the keys to her home in the summer of 2018. Over the course of a year since was approved for the Habitat program, she had completed her 325 sweat equity hours through building her own and her neighbor’s homes. She has spent many days alongside different volunteer groups, including her home funding partner Rambus who came all the way from California to build together.

“I didn’t have anything growing up and I feel blessed that I am able to provide a stable home that I can pass down to my children in the future,” said Natasha.