From a young age, Jamya knew she wanted to be a homeowner. While many people her age were still figuring out their next steps, Jamya held onto a quiet but determined goal: to create a place of her own—one rooted in safety, independence, and possibility.
Before applying to Habitat for Humanity of Horry County’s Homebuyer Program, Jamya was living with her mother in a neighborhood and home environment that no longer felt stable or secure. Though grateful for her family, she knew she was ready for more. “I wanted to be on my own,” Jamya shared. “I wanted to feel like I could really do it.”
Becoming a homeowner represents much more than a house to Jamya—it’s a turning point. As a young woman carving out her future, she sees homeownership as a powerful statement of independence and self-belief. “It’ll be different,” she said. “But in a good way. I feel like it will have a better impact on me.”
Jamya is no stranger to hard work and responsibility. One of her proudest accomplishments was paying off her car in full—an $8,000 balance she tackled through consistent effort and discipline. Another meaningful moment came when she was able to treat her mother to a trip for her birthday, giving her an experience she had always wanted but rarely had the chance to enjoy. “That meant a lot to me,” Jamya said. “I was proud I could do that for her.”
Like many Habitat homebuyers, Jamya’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She experienced the loss of her father while in college—a deeply painful season that could have easily halted her progress. Instead, she pushed forward. “I may not have done everything perfectly,” she reflected, “but I kept going.” Even now, Jamya continues to invest in herself by returning to school and staying focused on the future she’s building.
Through the Habitat program, Jamya has already begun gaining tools that will serve her long beyond move-in day. She’s started building an emergency fund—something she hadn’t considered before—and gained hands-on experience through sweat equity, including learning how to install baseboards. In fact, she recently used those skills to make improvements in her aunt’s home. “I actually had to use what I learned,” she said with a smile.
When asked what home truly means to her, Jamya described it as “a comfort space—a place where I feel safe, connected, and at peace.” She looks forward to creating memories there, starting with a housewarming celebration for friends and family—complete with her much-anticipated slushie maker.
Jamya’s outlook is deeply shaped by her faith, especially her favorite scripture, 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” It’s a verse that mirrors both her journey and Habitat’s mission—moving forward with encouragement, perseverance, and the belief that building something meaningful is always worth the effort.
As Jamya moves closer to breaking ground, she’s building more than a home. She’s building confidence, stability, and a future grounded in resilience and hope.