“Love is an act of will, both an intention and an action.” – Bell Hooks

We continue our Habi-Heroes series by honoring an individual who chooses to live every day in service to those around her. Just months ago, Tammy became one our homeowners with the help of Novelis. It was through her journey as a homebuyer that we were fortunate enough to witness her character up-close. “Tammy is the most positive, gracious presence I’ve encountered in my time at Habitat. She is always ready with a smile and a kind word,” says our Family Services Learning Facilitator, Paola Montalvo. “It’s not simply her kindness that touches us, it’s her light regardless of the circumstances.”

Let’s rewind to the build of her home and take a short walk in Tammy’s shoes.

Every day Tammy wakes up, despite wanting a bit more rest, she chooses to be of service. She manages somehow to find within herself more compassion and more patience to give to the special needs children with whom she works. Despite the challenges that a profession like this can bring, she finds genuine joy in it. On this day in particular a hurdle presents itself when Tammy notices that one of her colleagues is on course to be accidentally struck by one of the children. She steps in the path of the collision, sparing the teacher and becoming injured in the process. Yet it is with a smile on her face that she arrives at the build site ready and willing to put in more sweat equity to make her dream of homeownership a reality. While there, she manages to impress upon everyone just how rewarding her job is, saying that she truly cannot wait to get back to her kids. While it is no easy task putting a roof over the head of her beloved daughter Kyrié, she framed it as another source of great pleasure in her life and she continued forward.

Feel inspired yet? We sure were.

At the dedication of her home, Tammy expressed her gratitude to God, Novelis and Habitat Atlanta. But it is those of us who encounter her that walk away grateful for the experience. We want to honor Tammy for her unwavering love of life, despite its difficulties, for her consistent service to others even when it means sacrifice, and her dedication to building up all those she encounters, no matter what difficulties lie in her path.