Jaquita’s story.
My journey with the West Nashville Dream Center started with a knock on the door.
It was a summer day in 2016, and the kids had just come in from playing outside when we saw a group of people walking through our apartment complex, inviting people to come to the kids summer program and Sunday church service. I let my kids attend summer camp the next day, and they would not stop talking about their amazing experience. They were so happy to get up every day afterward and go back to the "Dream," as we like to call it in our house.
I was intrigued at this point, so by the time Sunday came, I was excited and nervous to go meet the people at this place that my kids were now loving to be at more than home. The staff warmly welcomed me and invited me to visit the Dream Mom's Group after church. I had a great time, and the group immediately felt like home, which meant a lot to me since we had no family in Nashville.
Since that first day, my Dream Streets family has walked along with me on my journey, never leaving me alone. The staff and other moms have helped me get through mental breakdowns, suicide attempts, health issues, family stress, and financial hardships. They have walked alongside not only me but my children, navigating their hard seasons and helping them be successful in school. They have shown me what it means to have a family that stands by me no matter what.
With Jaquita's enrollment in our Dream Housing Grant program, she will soon purchase her first home.
Jaquita worked with mentor Wesley Harvey, a local realtor with Parks Realty. Wesley shares, "My sister and I were raised by a single mom. I owe everything to her; I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without her. So the fact that I can now help a single mom achieve homeownership is an incredible bonus for me. I’m grateful to be a part of this program and excited about its positive life-changing impact on our community."
Wesley was a faithful guide and supported Jaquita as she paid off multiple debts, raised her credit score, and created a sustainable budget. Dream Streets provided supplemental groceries as needed to offset monthly bills.
In less than four months in the program, Jaquita received the call, "You've been pre-approved for a home loan!"
Jaquita is now eligible for a down payment match of up to $5,000 when she purchases her home. Dream Streets will apply the money allocated towards her rent to her mortgage. She will remain in the program until March 2023, and Wesley will continue to provide support and mentorship as she navigates the home buying process and revised budget needs.
