Tezira is a resilient single mother of three—Sabbathblissful, her son Denis, and her youngest daughter, Avia. Her journey with Habitat for Humanity began long before she moved to Arizona. Back in Michigan, she and her ex-husband partnered with their local Habitat program to build the home where their children grew up. However, life in Michigan became increasingly challenging after her husband left.
Balancing work and raising three children alone was overwhelming, prompting her to move to Tucson during her divorce to be closer to her mother, brother, and sisters. Having experienced the life-changing impact of Habitat for Humanity before, Tezira saw a new opportunity with Habitat Tucson to start fresh with her family. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “That’s why when I got here, I wanted to see if I could get another chance—this time on my own. When I applied and got approved, I said, ‘Thank you, God!’”
While working toward her new home, Tezira has been living in a two-bedroom apartment that initially seemed promising but has since deteriorated significantly. Essential repairs have gone unaddressed by the landlord, including critical issues like a broken refrigerator. For over a month and a half, she had no functioning refrigerator, forcing her to throw away spoiled food and making it nearly impossible to store groceries. This created challenges for her family, especially her children, who often went without breakfast before school. “It’s hard to keep living in this apartment,” Tezira admits.
Despite these challenges, Tezira has stayed focused on her goal of building a better future for her family. She has been steadily putting in her sweat equity to create her forever home in Tucson. One of her favorite parts of the process has been working at the CHUCK Center. “It’s experience making doors and windows. It was my favorite job,” she shared, appreciating the hands-on work and the skills she gained along the way.
Throughout this journey, her oldest daughter, Sabbathblissful, has been a source of encouragement and inspiration. Her enthusiasm for the project motivated Tezira to complete her required hours and keep pushing forward. Now, Tezira looks forward to the day she can settle into a home that is truly hers.
“I’m looking forward to having a nice place to live, especially because it will be my home. When I pay it off, I’m gonna be so excited—you know, no more mortgage.”
For Tezira home means “new life” and the promise of a bright future. It’s a fresh start where she can continue creating beautiful memories with her family in Tucson. Her journey is a testament to the power of hope, hard work, and the support of a loving community.