“My little piece of the world”

Originally from Mississippi, Tara and her four children moved to Bellevue, Nebraska in search of a new beginning. She was recently divorced and determined to give her family a place to call their own. They were living in an apartment when Tara found out she was selected to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County.

“There were only three homes available and more than 100 people applied,” Tara said. “I was ecstatic when I found out I was chosen.”

After improving her credit and working two jobs, Tara purchased her home in April 2002. Eighteen years later, she was able to pay off her mortgage thanks to an early Mother’s Day gift. Tara’s children and mother all decided to give Tara their stimulus checks.

“Paying off my house was on my bucket list,” Tara said. “The investment was worth it.”On April 29, Tara paid off her mortgage. Her house brings her peace of mind, joy and freedom. She describes her home as “my little piece of the world” and her flower and vegetable garden as a “piece of heaven on earth.”

“Seeing vegetables grow in my yard is phenomenal,” she said. “I am so relaxed when I’m gardening, and to be able to grow food is absolutely amazing to me.”

Tara is proud of this accomplishment and her children who are achieving their own dreams. Her advice to future homeowners is to “keep your house up, be nice to your neighbors, and enjoy your home.”In July 2020, Habitat Sarpy County and Habitat Omaha united under the name “Habitat for Humanity of Omaha” to build opportunity by further expanding access to homeownership, home improvement resources, and financial planning programs throughout Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties.