The Volunteering Page of John Lattea

Family and Current Housing 

Taylor was born and raised in Canton and works at the Canton Municipal Court as a probation officer. In today's market, finding safe, reliable housing at a price a young family can afford has been an uphill climb. 

Today, Taylor and her one-year-old daughter, Jaya, are living in a rent-to-own three-bedroom home with family. With multiple people under one roof, space is limited so Taylor and Jaya share a bedroom. The home is overcrowded and aging, and needed repairs haven't been addressed. Water damage has created ongoing concerns and rodent issues have added stress to daily life. It's a heavy burden for anyone, especially when caring for a little one. 

Even so, Taylor keeps showing up with determination and hope for the future. She enjoys baking, and reading books about cooking, budgeting, mysteries, and faith-based topics. She enjoys simple routines that help her stay grounded as she works toward a more stable future. 

Jaya, born two months early, is a bright and strong little girl. She loves to eat, learn, enjoys being read to, and she's already curious about animals, letters, shapes, and numbers.

A Bright Future 

Taylor learned about Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio through social media. She wasn't sure she would qualify, but she applied because she wants what every parent wants for their child: stability, safety, and a place to truly call home. 

Through Habitat's affordable homeownership program, Taylor is working toward a home where Jaya can have room to grow and where their days are shaped less by uncertainty and more by peace of mind. For Taylor and Jaya, this opportunity is more than a house: it's a foundation for everything that comes next.