Habitat for Humanity: Framing Futures in the 901

Habitat Builds Opportunities for ALL

by Chris Reeder Young 

President Jimmy Carter, always the ally, shared, “We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

This hope for an inclusive mosaic is the basis of a strong democracy, empowered communities, and the foundation for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis’s mission to provide the 901 with healthy and affordable homeownership.

Memphis Habitat was formed in 1983 by a group of dedicated volunteers who advocated for everyone to access the American Dream. Since then, Memphis Habitat has built over 600 homes with first-time mortgage holders, their families, and dedicated volunteers.

All creeds, all backgrounds.

Memphis Habitat has repaired and stabilized 1,300+ homes for older adults who are aging in their beloved homes and communities.

All levels of ability, all neighborhoods.

Housing affordability is one of the most persistent equity issues in Memphis. 85,393 Memphian households are paying 30% or more of their monthly income toward housing costs. We know that the financial inequality for LGBTQ+ individuals is even more significant.

A two-bedroom rental in Memphis is $1,298. A single earner around minimum wage would need to work 138 hours a week to afford that.

The pathway from renting to owning a home can be loaded with challenges. Renters often have to pick between high rental costs with decent conditions or lower rental costs with lousy housing conditions (and not all landlords are compassionate).

Big breath, everyone—there is hope.

With wage, utility, housing advocacy, and other diligent nonprofits at the forefront of these conversations, comes the need for Memphis Habitat to provide ethical and equitable options so renters can access affordable homeownership through no-interest mortgages.

Seems like it’s impossible and too good to be true, but rest assured, it is both possible and true.

The average monthly cost of a Memphis Habitat zero-interest home is around $700 a month with principal, insurance, and taxes. The millisecond a person becomes a Memphis Habitat homebuyer, they are building wealth through equity, community through partnership hours, and generational wealth protections through homebuyer education.

Last fiscal year, Memphis Habitat opened the doors to affordable homeownership for 20 families. Trinity is one of those homebuyers. We asked Trinity a few questions about how Memphis Habitat has impacted their overall well-being—here’s what they said. 

photos by Chloe Adkins

What were some of your experiences as a renter in previous homes?

The rental home that we just moved out of was the place I have lived the longest in my entire life. Ollie was around 2.5 (now 10) and Norah (now 8) was a baby. It was the only home my children knew. When we moved in there in 2017, the rent was $875 but was slowly being raised over time.

I had fungus growing in my bathroom. I had huge limbs falling in the backyard, destroying property and going through the roof. That caused leaks inside the home, which led to mold and damage. I developed a mold allergy while living there. I never allowed my kids to play out front because of shootings and home invasions that happened near our street. We had some great neighbors, but we never walked the neighborhood because we feared being accosted by people, stray dogs, or people drag racing.

What was it like looking for a better rental before you applied to Memphis Habitat?

One thing that really stood out was that rental companies were asking tenants to make FOUR times the rent. Most of the homes were $1,500 to $2,000 (per month)—even in my neighborhood where the average rent had been $800 to $950. Some had been “remodeled” but looked trashed.

A decent, simple rental with community amenities could be financially impossible for almost any family, but especially for a single-income family. It seemed like lower-income people were being pushed out of the neighborhoods. So, we stuck it out as long as we could where we were.

Now that you’re in your Habitat home, how are you curating your happiness?

My main interests are plants and geeky fandoms. One of the things I am excited about is finally being able to put up all my memorabilia! I have had several amazing pieces framed and stored for YEARS that I can put up now.

As a child, we always had housing insecurity. I want my children to have a stable home where they share my geeky interests, love playing video games, and adore ALL the dogs. Norah has room to practice ballet (she recently performed in the Nut Remix). Both kids have quiet places to read because they are avid readers. Our rescue dogs, Sampson, Tilly, and Twinkie, have safe places to play and enrich the home. One of the first things the kids said when they saw the Habitat house was “Mama, we can walk here, it looks safe!”

What makes you most proud of your homeownership journey?

I told my best friend that all I could think about on our first night here was how my kids would always have somewhere to ‘come home to’ as adults. No worries about a landlord selling to an investor, switching property companies, doubling the rent, or refusing to renew the lease. Any of the other concerns that plagued me as a renter.

Do you have favorite parts of the homebuyer education experience?

My favorite part was that Memphis Habitat includes children in the process! Not only can they earn partnership hours, but they also get a version of the classes that are on THEIR level. They get to see how it all works and learn about budgets. They don’t just suddenly move into a home without an active understanding of what homeownership is. I believe it gives them a deeper appreciation for it.

What is your favorite part of the new home?

I’m so proud of our new home, and every little thing we do to make it more ‘us’ makes me so happy. My favorite part, honestly, is having my own bathroom. It may be a silly thing, but sharing a bathroom with other people is not the easiest. I can take a hot bath with no one banging on the door rushing me. I look forward to lower utility bills and being kinder to the environment. I had to run the AC constantly at the old place to stay at a livable temperature.

What are your kiddos’ favorite parts of the new home/community?

They love that it is quiet, safe, and walkable. My daughter says that she loves that we are not paying rent anymore. When I asked her why that is, she said, “Because someday it will be all ours, instead of the landlords!” They learned that in class! Ollie loves the porch and being able to sit outside and read too. We’ve got the warmest welcomes from the neighbors too!

What changes have you noticed about yourself and the kids since moving into your new home?

I have noticed a huge decrease in my allergies. I had developed allergic reactions to different things when we were at the rental—even coffee. My breathing is better, and I am sleeping better. I can drink coffee again! We are so happy to be here; it felt like home immediately. The kids were proud to tell everyone that they helped us earn partnership hours, and they love their new rooms.

What advice do you have for folks who may be interested in Habitat homeownership?

Just try it. You really have nothing to lose. I was wary about it at first and thought it wouldn’t happen for us. Even after we closed, I kept thinking this couldn’t be real, someone was going to jump out and say, “Just kidding!” It’s just a result of having housing insecurity my entire life.

It is a beautiful program, and it was the only secure path to homeownership for me. I have excellent credit but don’t have the income to buy through traditional means. I tried several years ago with another program but could only be approved for $70,000. That’s not enough for what my family needed.

I didn’t know what to expect from the people at Memphis Habitat, but everyone there is the biggest cheerleader for all of us and so helpful along the way.

Trinity’s Final Thoughts…

I never thought I would own a beautiful, spacious home. It has been absolutely surreal. I love being in a community of Habitat homeowners too. I am really looking forward to getting to know them more.

If you are curious about the process, it never hurts to go to the orientation and just listen. There truly is no catch to this process. It really is as good as it sounds!

To learn more about homeownership, please call 901-761-4771 or visit memphishabitat.com/homebuying-program.

Donate and help secure affordable homeownership across 901. If you would like to volunteer, please visit memphishabitat.com/volunteer.