“I never thought this could happen,” said Heather Colley, holding the keys to her first home, finally seeing years of hard work and determination take shape.
A single mother of three, Colley had been living in an overcrowded home with her ex-husband’s family, her children sleeping on the sofa as she struggled to provide a safe place for them. Affordable housing felt out of reach, and past financial setbacks during a difficult divorce had left her credit damaged, making homeownership seem impossible.
Life presented challenge after challenge. After nearly 18 years of marriage and a painful divorce, she was left without financial support. Relying on a weekly $50 gift card to feed her family of four, Colley moved from one seasonal job to the next, always striving to find security and stability. Eventually, she found a position at The Spa at Riverstone Resort, giving her the support she needed for her family. Not long after starting her new career, she fell ill with double pneumonia, requiring months of home care and making a return to full-time work uncertain. Over the next five years, Colley and her children moved multiple times, searching for a safe, affordable home in neighborhoods and school zones that met their needs.
Hope arrived when Tennessee’s Community Assistance Corporation (TCAC) stepped in. Through their homebuyer assistance program, Colley worked alongside experts to repair her credit, save for a down payment, and work through the steps to secure a mortgage. With a piece of property from her former father-in-law reducing construction costs, and with TCAC’s guidance at every step, she was able to create a home that offered both a strong foundation and a fresh start for her family.
The moment the keys were finally in her hand, Colley realized what was possible. “When I signed the papers and got my keys, I cried. That’s when I knew it was real,” she said. She celebrated with her children at the title company, laughter filling the room as they began a new life together. In their home, the children each have their own space and a yard to enjoy, marking a fresh chapter for the family.
“I am beyond grateful for this program and everyone at TCAC. Words cannot express the thankfulness I feel for this opportunity,” Colley shared.
She still stops by the TCAC office, her smile reflecting the pride and optimism she has built alongside her children. “Since my divorce, I have worked hard to rebuild my credit, and now thanks to this program, my children and I will live in a safe, beautiful home for years to come.” With the keys finally in hand, Heather Colley and her children stepped into more than a new home. Through the guidance of TCAC and organizations like Fahe, they found the tools and practical help to move forward, proving that access to the right resources can transform the course of a family’s life.