Growing up, I was a statistic. I was a number that people talked about to show I fit into a “needy” category. I was a low-income, pregnant 16-year-old in a bad living situation who had lost her father and support system. I was not sure where I would end up, but I knew I wanted to create a new future for my daughter, Haylee.
While I was feeling lost, I found my Community Matters family. They kept talking about how strong I was, and they kept nudging me to see my own strengths. To be honest, at first, I didn’t believe them.
Today, nine years later, I am still a statistic. But now, people use that statistic to show that I am a barrier breaker. I am the first in my family to graduate high school and college, and I am a mother of a thriving, rambunctious 8-year-old. I am a community leader and, most surprising to me, a soon-to-be homeowner.
I still pinch myself as I wear my hardhat while working on my future home. I didn’t ever think I would be where I am today. What may surprise people who just see the statistics of my community is that there are so many other folks like me: people who have strengths and talents and who want to invest in our neighborhood. This is our home, and we want to thrive together.
I ask that you consider investing with me to double our homeownership rate, to create 55 new vibrant apartments, and to build beautiful homes together!
-Kimmi Washburn, Mother, Teacher, Board Member, Leader, and Future Homeowner
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