My Story: Shannon Epps
October 4, 2010 | By Jenni Baker | 
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Renter for life – that was who I was, and who I was always going to be. There weren’t any dreams of some day owning my own home. I was living paycheck to paycheck, and in the winter months, things would get so bad that I couldn’t even “rob Peter to pay Paul.”
As a single mother raising three children, I have had my share of trials and tribulations — sometimes coming out ahead, sometimes just breaking even, oftentimes coming out behind. My cash flow and income balancing were way out of line with what my monthly bills were. It got to the point that I was borrowing from payday lenders to make my next payment, and interest from those places almost took me for everything I had.
Thankfully, by the grace of God, I let my pride and shame go. Two great friends entered my life, and thus my journey with Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin’s Almost Home program began.
Shannon Epps sits on a swing outside her home.
Though I still can’t quite believe the dream of being a home owner will come true in 2011, it is true. Goodwill Industries, the Almost Home program and Habitat for Humanity have all helped to assist me in one way or another, whether it is helping me to achieve a successful budget plan, learn how to do minor construction projects on a home, or buy discount quality clothing for my family. I am a better person for it.
Renter for life – that was an idea I had always had. Somewhere along the line, I forgot how to dream. I’ve always told my daughters to dream and believe, but I left myself out of that equation. I’m thankful God believes I deserve to dream too.
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I just recently moved out of my mothers house and into my own place with my daughter. I am a single mother and finding it overwelming and hard to get by. These past week or so, ive had to get by on food i grabbed from my moms and some that was donated to me from Caring n Sharing. It is really hard, but God will help me…and i know i can do this.
I just wanted to comment cause your story touched me…personal experience i guess.
good luck with everything
Good luck to you. We too had a hard time we went through and I know how things can spiral out of control. sharon
I just read your story and i am touched. I am sooo glad that you found a home.
Sophia- age 9