North Omaha Native Stays in the Neighborhood She Loves

As the oldest child in her family, TayJaha has always set ambitious goals — to grow in her career, be a steady role model for her younger brothers, and build a strong future for herself and her own children.

Recently, she achieved one of her biggest dreams — buying her own house by age 30 — through her partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. Just three days before her birthday, she closed on her new green, three-bedroom home along Grant Street in North Omaha.

Staying in North Omaha was important to the mother of two boys, Chance and Chase. Her parents live nearby, and Chance’s school is within minutes.

“I’ve lived my entire life in North Omaha,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine calling any place else home.”

Though she grew up in the neighborhood she loves, TayJaha, who works in human resources, is the first in her family to become a homeowner.

“My mom never owned a house,” she said. “We moved a little bit. I lived in at least four homes growing up.”

That experience shaped her desire to give her sons something different — a place to put down roots.

“They get to grow and expand and do things as they want to,” she said. “They don’t have to share a room. They can decorate how they want.”

Chance is hoping to make friends with other children in their neighborhood. With two schools nearby, TayJaha believes that it will come naturally.

“My son wants a forever friend,” she said. “He just wants someone that he can grow up with in the neighborhood.”

TayJaha is grateful for her partnership with Habitat Omaha.

“Habitat Omaha has an amazing team,” she said. “It was really easy. I came with a lot of things prepared because I am so task-oriented. But they were amazing, gave me a lot of grace, and worked together through the entire process.”