River City Habitat for Humanity dedicates 91st home

A local woman said moving into a Habitat for Humanity home will bring her peace of mind.

Tina Parker, a Jefferson City native, walked through her finished home Thursday during a dedication ceremony. During the event, Parker said a prayer to bless her home and gave a speech to express her appreciation.

"I am just a common woman," Parker said to those gathered in her new home. "Habitat for Humanity is made up of common people - common people who set standards for families to use to rise above poverty and oppression. May everyone here be blessed today and always as we go forth teaching others in our great city and around the world that charity is still alive and well."

She bought her first home in 1980 and owned several more homes in years following, but a series of hardships, including financial struggles after a divorce, left her homeless while working in Kansas City. There, Parker held a job at the Missouri Highway Patrol during the day and managed a restaurant at night.

Determined not to file for bankruptcy, she worked long days to pay off her bills and improve her credit rating. After six years in Kansas City, Parker said her homesickness caused her to move back to Jefferson City. She had no money for a U-Haul, and after many trips back and forth in a three-month span, Parker was finally settled in her hometown.

Though living in an apartment, she wasn't completely relieved as her place is older and has maintenance issues. She imagined living in her own home again, which was made possible through a partnership with the local Habitat for Humanity.

"It's a dream come true for me," Parker said. "I've really reached a sense of accomplishment with the opportunity, and as far as helping other people, that's a ministry for me and I plan to continue this for the rest of my life, helping this organization."

Kelly Smith, director of River City Habitat for Humanity, handed Parker the keys to her new ranch-style home, complete with three bedrooms and two bathrooms Thursday. The home, located on Park Avenue, is the local Habitat for Humanity's 91st home and the 10th through a partnership with the local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a Christian-based financial planning and wealth management firm.

She earned the home after enduring a months-long, two-part application process, an interview, and background and credit checks. On top of a full-time and part-time job - which amount to a 50- to 60-hour work week, Parker was required to give 350 sweat-equity hours, helping to build her home and other Habitat houses.

"It's a huge time commitment when you're part of the program," Smith said. "It's like having another part-time job."

Cathy Murphy, Parker's family support partner, worked with her throughout her journey, attending monthly meetings focusing on aspects of being a homeowner, such as finances, repairs and utilities.

"I've been so impressed with Tina," Murphy said. "Her faith is so strong, she's a hard worker and she really knows where she's going."

Parker looks forward to no longer feeling painful arthritis in her knees while climbing 15 steps to her apartment. Her new home is on one level.

"After working a 16-hour day, it's hard to get up the steps sometimes," she said. "Every time I'd come home and be exhausted, I'd just walk up those stairs and think, "I'm one more day closer to my home.'"

Her 10 grandchildren, ranging in age from 7-16, motivated Parker to work toward owning a home. They will have their own bedroom, dedicated for sleepovers with grandma.

"I want to set an example for them and my children," Parker said, "to show them that no matter what you go through in life, you can have a dream and you can achieve that dream, make it come true if you keep trying and don't give up."