Never in a million years would I have thought that we would ever own our own home. As a young girl I thought owning homes were for rich, well to do people, but I have come to find out that anyone can own a home. Regardless of their current or past situation owning a home is a reality with perseverance and hard work. Owning a home has impacted my family in a positive way! We now have ample private and shared space, we are safe, and we have set an example for the rest of our family.
During my childhood, my family and I moved a lot for various reasons. But, I never really liked having to do it. Our recent move was from a two bedroom apartment. You are probably thinking, “how could three people fit in two bedrooms.” Well, you can’t equitably, my brother and I had our own rooms and our mom had to sleep in the living room. Since owning our home, sacrifices this great, are no longer necessary, we have more than enough space. We can be at home and be in our own space, watch a great movie together in the living room and throw amazing parties like, “The You are Oh, So, Loved,” end of the year party we had with our families’ absolutely most closest friends, all eighteen of us! My brother can sing to the heavens in his room and I never have to yell anymore because I can’t hear myself think across from him.
A second benefit of owning our own home is that we are very safe. Since moving here in 2013 there has been no disturbances or issues that have threatened our safety. Even when our front door broke we, confidently walked around the back of the house to unlock the door, and never were afraid. This was not so at our last apartment. We had to call the police many times in the middle of the night for things like rowdy neighbors or strange people coming in and out of the neighborhood at all times of the night. Living on Green Jacket Trail, has been a blessing to my family and I.
Lastly, it sets an example for our family. It shows that we are known for more than what our ancestors had to go through. We are more than our past. We can do more than what man says we can. In history, it was rare to see an African American owner of anything, now, it’s becoming a great occurrence and my family has been privileged to join this group! Owning a home has been a game changer in my life. It’s a positive change to more space, safety, and we get to empower others! I am a happier, more open, reserved young woman because of this amazing gift!
Written by Christen Faith Greene, 2014