Desiree bought a Canton For All People house in May 2025 in Canton’s northwest neighborhood as a first-time homebuyer.
“I’ve had my struggles being a single mom throughout the years so this was very rewarding to myself and my children,” Desiree said.
Desiree not only grew up in the neighborhood, but she owns a hair salon on Fifth Street Northwest, so staying in her community was important to her and her three sons.
She fell on hard times
While pregnant with her third son in 2015 Desiree couldn’t work due to health complications. She lost her rental house and her car. So, she and her kids moved into her mother’s home until she was able to work again.
Desiree really wanted a home that belonged to her – a dream that she made into reality after filing for bankruptcy and spending two years building her credit.
From renting to owning
Desiree met with Canton For All People’s housing director Traci Skipper in early 2025 to apply for home ownership.
Then, Desiree visited her forever home near the end of its construction.
“When I came to the open house I told Traci, I claimed it,” Desiree said. “I was like, ‘this is my house.’”
It is her house. Desiree got approved for her home loan and Canton For All People’s application. Now, she’s a proud Canton For All People homeowner who had her share of challenges and rose above them.