Women Build 2010 Partner

Erica Carson is a cheerful, outgoing mother of three children. And she’s hopeful. In the past, this quality seemed to hold her back, but now it’s one that will move her family forward.

“I’ve been in a troubled, on-again off-again relationship for six years,” Erica explained. Part of the trouble was with housing—they moved at least once a year…for a variety of reasons. “I think we’ve been in every school throughout Covington and Abita Springs. It’s been hard on all of us.”

Erica’s long-term job as a dental assistant is rewarding, but does not cover the high cost of renting a home or apartment in west St. Tammany. “I’ve always depended on someone else for a place to live,” Erica said. That translated into trailers, unaffordable apartments, older houses, cramped quarters and stifling environments.

Her hope was that the relationship would change. That promises would be kept. This year, she lost that hope and replaced it with a new one. She applied with Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West in hope that she could buy her own home.

“Mom is trying,” she told her 11-year-old son. Her efforts were worthwhile; she was accepted into the Habitat program. “The kids are so excited about getting our own house! Seeing the look on their faces made me want to cry. This is going to be such a good thing for them.”

“Erica jumped into the program feet first,” said Terri Gage, Habitat STW’s Director of Family Services. “She is hustling to put in her sweat equity hours.”

Erica’s sounded cheerful when she said, “I’m putting on my work gloves and volunteering at Habitat every Friday and Saturday to make this happen. My boss is being very supportive by allowing me to take off on Fridays, and that’s been great.”

Erica and her children are looking forward to their moving day—their last one. “I’m going to have my own house and it’ll be close to my dad and my sister and tons of friends.”