Former Dehon resident is a homeowner

Home ownership — it is the foundation of the American Dream. But dreams don’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work. Just ask Latasha.

Latasha is a widow and mother of four who moved to the Walls area several years ago following the death of her husband. Looking for a fresh start, she and her children moved into the Azalea Ridge apartments. Latasha quickly realized that living without her husband’s income would be difficult. Despite stretching every dollar and pinching every penny, things were getting desperate. The apartment rent was just too much, and Latasha had nowhere else to go.

Latasha sought assistance from Sacred Heart Southern Missions. After speaking to Sr. Janice at our Walls social service office, she was provided rent and utility assistance and given supplemental food. Sr. Janice also suggested that she meet with Cynthia and Pia at Dehon Village regarding possible relocation.

Latasha was put on the Dehon Village waiting list. Several months later, a unit became available. What a relief! That was in 2014.

Quickly adjusting to the neighborhood, the family flourished. Not missing an opportunity, Latasha signed her children up for every program available—summer feeding, summer camp and the after school programs.

“Getting better’ was not enough for this casino employee and single mom. She was determined to get back on her feet and buy a home of her own. Latasha almost immediately signed up for homebuyer education classes at the Dehon Learning Center to gain knowledge about the home-buying process. After completing the class, she signed up for credit counseling with SHSM’s housing counselor, Joyce Moore. Together they came up with a budget and a plan for Latasha’s future.

Over a 12-month period, Latasha significantly raised her credit score. It wasn’t easy. With four hungry mouths to feed, it took a great deal of discipline and resolve. “She really worked hard to get where she is,” said Joyce.

The day finally arrived and after getting her credit score elevated to a good level, Latasha was referred to a mortgage lender and real estate agent to assist her with a home purchase. Sacred Heart Southern Missions rewarded Latasha’s hard work with $500 earnest money assistance to help complete the transaction.

Just last month, Latasha transitioned out of the Dehon Village community into her new home in Horn Lake. Though Latasha is a proud homeowner, it was bittersweet for the staff at Dehon Village. “She was a great tenant,” said SHSM Housing Coordinator Cynthia. “We hated to see her go but homeownership is the goal and she achieved it!”

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