Building Stability and Strengthening Community

Building Stability and Strengthening Community

Shanice makes a difference everyday in her community. She works as a community organizer and spends time talking to community members about elections, improvements they’d like to see, and what they want from their elected officials. With dreams to expand her impact, Shanice truly believes in the importance of community building. 

“[My role] gives me a chance to give back to the community,” Shanice said. “Eventually I want to have my own community center for kids and teen moms.”

Being born in Alaska and moving around a lot as a child, Shanice is ready to put down roots and build community in Milwaukee. 

“We moved around a lot when we were kids,” Shanice said. “It wasn’t a stable living place… I was born in Alaska, went to Mississippi, then to Chicago and ended up in Milwaukee in 2018.”

Now that she has been in Milwaukee for years, Shanice looks to homeownership to provide the stability she lacked growing up. Her sister Princena, who became a Habitat homeowner in early 2023, encouraged her to apply for Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program. Because Shanice was familiar with the program, she knew it would be a good fit for her and her family.

Shanice’s sister, Princena, pictured outside her Habitat home during her dedication celebration

“I like the process of how you guys do it,” Shanice said. “You walk through the steps. You don’t just say ‘here is a house.’ You give training and let people work towards it.”

As the mother of an 11-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, Shanice wants to give her children the stability she didn’t have at their ages. She was accepted into the program and is now making that goal a reality.

“I want to create something stable,” Shanice said. “It will be a foundation for kids to have. When I’m gone, it’s something I can pass on to them. They wouldn’t have to worry about a living situation. I’m creating something that’s mine, that I worked for and that I own.”

Not only will Shanice build stability for herself and her family through homeownership, but she will also take pride in it.

“For me, I feel like it’s a big accomplishment,” Shanice said. “I never thought I would be by myself in my own space, especially owning a home. I’ll be happy. I’ll be proud of myself.”

Employees from Milwaukee Tool, the sponsor of Shanice’s home, volunteering on site

At one point, Shanice thought homeownership was out of reach, but now she believes everyone can achieve their dreams, even if they are scared.

“If you feel like you can do something, do it,” Shanice said. “Don’t be afraid to do something. Take that risk. I was scared at first, but if you put your mind to it, you can do it. Just because you haven’t experienced something before, don’t let that stop you.”

Shanice’s commitment to homeownership is not just about creating stability for her family; it’s a reflection of the same dedication she brings to building up her community. Soon, she will walk through the doors of her new home and know that she built a foundation for her family and her future goals.