Future Greater Matthews Habitat homeowner Javonne knows the power of planting seeds. As a peer support specialist and mother to two sons and a daughter: Quran, Duane, and Yvonne, she’s spent much of her life nurturing others, from helping individuals find stability in housing to guiding her own children through life’s challenges. Now, as she prepares to build a home with Habitat, she’s ready to plant the most important seed yet—a future of security and growth for her family.
“My daughter is already asking questions every day about her new room,” Javonne says with a smile. “This will be her first time since she was a year and a half sleeping in her own bed, in her own space.” For Javonne, having a home of their own isn’t just about walls and rooms—it’s about planting roots that will allow her family to flourish.
Javonne’s journey hasn’t been easy. She’s faced addiction, the loss of her first home, and the chaos of unstable housing environments, but throughout it all, she’s remained focused on one thing: growth. “I came from a residential treatment facility and then moved into supportive housing,” she shares. “It wasn’t the easiest place to be, but it taught my children and me so much about compassion and empathy.” Even after moving out, Javonne continues to visit every few weeks to check in on the people she met there. “I think I was able to plant some seeds there, supporting the people around me, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
Now, Javonne is looking forward to the fresh start that her Habitat home represents. “It took me so long to get here,” she reflects. “I lost so much through my addiction—my marriage, my first home—but this time, I’m ready to really appreciate the opportunity. I’m looking forward to having something of my own, a place where my children can feel safe and grow.”
Javonne’s journey of growth didn’t stop at housing. One pivotal moment came during a conversation with her former supervisor, who planted the seed of education. “She asked me what I saw myself doing in the next five years, and I didn’t have an answer,” Javonne recalls. “She told me to just go into a college and pick up a brochure—nothing more. So I went to UNC, intending to just get a brochure, but I ended up talking with an advisor.” That small seed led Javonne to go back to school, eventually earning her bachelor’s degree in social work. Now, she’s working toward her master’s. “I started with one class in 2020, and next year I’ll have my master’s in social work,” she says proudly.
For Javonne, home means more than just shelter. “Home means family, togetherness, safety, security, comfort,” she says. “Most of all, it’s a place where you can be yourself, where you feel safe enough to grow.” As she moves into this new chapter, she’s excited to create lasting traditions, like cooking meals that remind her of home. “The first meal I’m going to cook is probably okra soup,” she says. “It’s a tradition from my South Carolina roots—my grandmother used to make it. Eating it always makes me feel like I’m home, and I want to bring that tradition into our new space.”
As Javonne prepares to move into her Habitat home, she’s excited to not only provide a stable foundation for her family but to watch them thrive. “This home is a new beginning for us,” she says. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It’s not just about building a house—it’s about planting seeds for the future, and I can’t wait to see what grows.”
For Javonne, partnering with Greater Matthews Habitat means more than just a fresh start—it’s the beginning of a legacy, one rooted in love, resilience, and the hope that every seed planted will bloom in time.
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