Nevada County, CA — Nevada County Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that Tammy, the very first Habitat homeowner in the region, has officially paid off her mortgage. This significant milestone represents not only Tammy’s hard work and dedication but also the ongoing impact of the Habitat for Humanity program in providing affordable housing and empowering families in our community.
Tammy’s journey began in 1997 when she was selected to receive a Habitat for Humanity home. Since then, her life has been transformed in countless ways. “I learned how to fix things. I was nervous about being responsible for home repairs, but I rolled up my sleeves and found replacement parts for things that broke at the ReStore and other places. I felt really proud about that”, says Tammy.
Before moving into her Habitat home, Tammy struggled with financial instability and lacked the space to gather with family. She and her two children lived in a cramped apartment. Today, she stands as a proud homeowner who has seen remarkable changes in her life. Tammy shared what having a stable, affordable home has meant to her family all these years. “This program works. I have encouraged people with insecure housing to apply. I can’t imagine where we would have been all these years without this home, I truly don’t know how we would have made it.”
For Tammy, the decision to never sell her Habitat home is clear. “I realize what an incredible opportunity I have been given. This home isn’t just a house to me; it’s a foundation for my family’s future. I don’t ever plan to leave it,” she said. “It’s a gift that has given me and my children a chance to live a more stable life, and for that, I’m forever grateful and I urge the community to wholeheartedly support Habitat so that others get the chance to do what I have been able to do. I keep hearing about funding cuts on the news, but it would be devastating to this community if that happened to Habitat.”
As the first Habitat homeowner in Nevada County, Tammy’s success story is a testament to the life-changing power of the Habitat for Humanity program. Since its founding, Nevada County Habitat for Humanity has built and provided homes for 44 families, impacting more than 190 individuals, including over 130 children. With the rising affordable housing crisis in California, especially in our county, Nevada County Habitat remains committed to helping families like Tammy’s achieve stability and self-reliance.
Tammy’s story underscores the broader mission of Habitat for Humanity: to provide families with a hand up, not a handout. “A Habitat for Humanity house is more than just a roof over your head; it’s a major step to self-reliance,” said Nevada County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lorraine Larson. “We are so proud of Tammy and honored to have been on this journey with her. We are inspired by the hope, strength, and resilience she has shown.”
With over 48% of Nevada County residents spending more than they can afford on housing, the need for affordable housing is more urgent than ever. Nevada County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building more homes for families in need, but we need the community’s help. Through financial support, volunteering, or simply raising awareness, everyone can play a role in helping families like Tammy’s achieve strength, stability, and a better life.
For more information about how to support Nevada County Habitat for Humanity or to learn more about the affordable housing crisis in our community, please visit or contact Tai Batov, Associate Director, Tai@NCHabitat.org
About Nevada County Habitat for Humanity:
Nevada County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, decent housing to families in need. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes for those who otherwise cannot afford them. For over 20 years, the organization has been working to eliminate substandard housing and create opportunities for families to live in stable, affordable homes in Nevada County.