As a Residential Nurse Aid, mother and grandmother, Shawn is no stranger to hard work. But navigating Raleigh’s housing market as a single woman brought challenges she never expected.
When asked about the biggest obstacle she faced in her search for a home, Shawn didn’t hesitate: “Affordability.”
“If you're trying to buy a house now within Raleigh city limits, you know that is not easy,” she said. “There are people who can do that—especially if they have a partner. But for me, as a single woman, that upfront cost was a big challenge. I’m so grateful Habitat Wake gave me the opportunity to purchase my own home.”
As of early 2025, the average home value in Wake County is approximately $489,697, well out of reach for many households. Shawn's homeownership journey with Habitat Wake opened a door that once seemed firmly shut.
Closing day was emotional. “I couldn’t eat lunch today,” she admitted with a laugh. “I’m closing on my home. I’m feeling... there’s not really one word. But I just feel truly blessed.”
Like many Habitat homeowners, Shawn completed sweat equity hours, working not just on her own home, but on the homes of others in her community. Even when health issues threatened to slow her down, the construction team stood by her side. Today, she proudly shares her neighborhood with many of the people she built alongside.
Looking ahead, Shawn is eager to fill her home with love and family. “I’ll cook for my kids on big holidays—Mother’s Day is coming up,” she said. “But more than that, I’m giving my grandkids generational wealth, right? Building that equity and just having a place that can be an asset for our family moving forward.”
Shawn’s story is a testament to perseverance, the power of community, and the transformative impact of affordable homeownership. She is an inspiring example of a woman determined to change her family’s financial future. Her journey reminds us that when women are given the tools to build equity, they build legacies.