Nationwide — Taleah Mitchell, an African American single mother of four from Cincinnati, Ohio, received the keys to her new home after years of constant moving. The house was built through Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build program, giving her family a long-awaited sense of stability.
For Mitchell, Thursday’s dedication ceremony in Lower Price Hill marked the end of a long struggle. She said she broke down when she heard the news. “I broke down crying because I’m like God is really making it happen,” she told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Mitchell’s family often had to relocate because of her children’s special needs. Her two-year-old son has autism, and another son has ADHD. She said, “They stim at a certain time of night, so when I got this opportunity, it was like okay I’m gonna go ahead and move forward, I’m gonna go on with it.”
While juggling two healthcare jobs and caring for her children, Mitchell also found time to pursue a nursing program. She said owning a home means her family can finally settle down after years of uncertainty.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati partnered with Bank of America and other community sponsors to build Mitchell’s home. A representative said, “The home dedication is the culmination of all the work — it’s what we do and what we’re focused on is creating those first-time home-buying opportunities for families across our region.”
The Women’s Build program brings together groups of women to construct homes for single mothers. “It’s a place where hopes, dreams, and desires come true,” a representative said, expressing hope that Mitchell and her children will continue to reach new goals in their home.
Mitchell also joined in the building process, helping with painting, hanging doors, and drywall work. She said she looks forward to celebrating her son’s birthday and Christmas in their new home, a milestone she once thought was out of reach.