When LaShaunta discovered she was pregnant with her second child, she found herself feeling discouraged. The path ahead seemed uncertain, especially as her pregnancy proved to be particularly difficult. But amid the challenges, something remarkable happened—a moment of clarity that changed everything.
“It all just snapped,” LaShaunta recalls with determination in her voice. “I told myself, ‘we got to get this together.'”
Taking that pivotal first step, LaShaunta submitted her application to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization which seeks to build affordable housing, in January 2022. What followed was a journey of perseverance that would test her strength but ultimately lead toward hope.
In a moment that seemed divinely timed, LaShaunta received approval for her Habitat for Humanity home while in the hospital at the University of Virginia, just as she was preparing to give birth. After enduring a week in labor, her son Jokobi arrived on June 29th, 2022, born at just 27 weeks.
The challenges weren’t over. A fibroid that had grown during her pregnancy required LaShaunta to remain hospitalized until July 14th. Meanwhile, little Jokobi spent 68 days in the NICU before finally coming home on September 4th, 2022.
Unfortunately, the timing of these medical challenges created obstacles for LaShaunta’s Habitat for Humanity journey. Unable to complete the required home visit and meet employment requirements while caring for her premature son in the NICU, she had to wait to be reapproved after being placed on the waiting list.
A turning point came in February 2023 when Jokobi was enrolled in HumanKind’s Early Head Start program. Like a gentle hand reaching out in difficult times, HumanKind’s Early Head Start staff walk alongside families like LaShaunta’s, helping them achieve their own unique vision of success. They go beyond providing no-cost childcare—though that alone is invaluable—to offer resources, unwavering support, and assistance in breaking down the barriers that stand between families and their dreams. Their commitment extends to nurturing the overall wellbeing and success of each family’s journey.
LaShaunta’s family engagement specialist, Ashley Nowell, continually found herself “in awe of LaShaunta’s determined spirit and ambitious heart.” There’s a special quality about LaShaunta that touches everyone who meets her. “She has a sort of optimism about her that just really encourages those around her to want to be a part of her world and the joy and success she is cultivating,” Ashley shares.
Now, Jokobi is preparing to transition into Pre-K, and LaShaunta speaks with heartfelt appreciation about the support she’s received.
“HumanKind’s staff are so nice and they always go the extra mile and beyond to figure everything out,” she shares warmly. “I appreciate them so much.”
While Jokobi attends the Early Head Start program, LaShaunta dedicates her time to working on her future home with Habitat for Humanity, contributing what they call “sweat equity”—the 200 hours of labor that future homeowners or as Habitat calls them “partners,” invest in building their homes.
“Sweat equity is a term used often when talking about the creation or building process. It’s about doing the work—the hard work—to bring an idea to life,” as Habitat for Humanity describes it.
The need for a stable home is pressing for LaShaunta’s family. Currently, they live in a two-bedroom apartment where rent continues to rise despite minimal maintenance. This situation makes their future new home all the more meaningful.
Beyond working toward homeownership, LaShaunta also focuses on spending quality time with her older son, who couldn’t join her during her extended hospital stay at UVA. These moments together are precious as the family heals and grows stronger.
Looking back on her journey and forward to the future her family is building, LaShaunta expresses profound gratitude. “This has been a blessing on top of a blessing,” she says, her words capturing the hope and resilience that have carried her through.
HumanKind was even able to step in and volunteer for LaShaunta’s home building and over 20 volunteers showed up to support this family. Through the combined support of HumanKind’s Early Head Start program and Habitat for Humanity, LaShaunta and her sons are moving toward a future filled with stability, opportunity, and the comfort of a place to truly call home.
