With her “can do” attitude and a positive mindset, Latasha Cochrane, a single parent of five children including two sons who are both in wheelchairs due to Cerebral Palsy, seizures, and scoliosis, always meets her family’s challenges with optimism and a determination to overcome them. Latasha and her 20 year-old son, Kevon are now two of St. Lucie Habitat’s new HIP Partners. Kevon wants the best for his mother and brothers, so he was more than willing to step up to be a co-buyer with his mother.
Latasha’s other sons are Talique,18 years old; Tavarie,17 years old and in a wheelchair; K’jahni, 12 years old and in a wheelchair; and Messiah, 6 years old. Her family enjoys going to community events and events for special needs children.
Because of Latasha’s fortitude and resolve to create a more stable life for her sons and Kevon’s dedication and commitment to his family, they are on the road to fulfilling a dream of owning their own home. The family’s home will be ADA compliant to accommodate the special needs of her two sons.
Latasha is a food service associate at the St. Lucie County School system. The flexible hours allows her more time to care for Tavarie and K’jahni. Kevon works full time in a remote position in the furniture retail industry. He dreams of having his own business one day.
The road that led Latasha to St. Lucie Habitat was paved with constant uncertainty of where she and her family were going to live. With frequent moves, increases in rent, living in unsafe neighborhoods where she experienced home thefts and neighborhood violence; her desire to change her situation grew stronger. She received approval for Section 8 public housing and found a home to rent. The home was sold, and the new owner did not want to continue within Section 8 program.
She discovered St. Lucie Habitat through a co-worker when the application process for the new homeownership program was open. Latasha quickly applied along with her son, Kevon. They were ecstatic when notified of their approval. Through the new homeownership application process, she says persistence – a stay with it and do not quit attitude along with always keeping positive is important.
All the while leading up to her approval, Latasha went to St. Lucie Habitat home dedication ceremonies to show her support and happiness for the new homeowners.
Latasha and her sons that can contribute to the 300 hours of sweat equity are looking forward to it knowing it is for their very own home.
When you ask Latasha what her new home will mean to her and her sons, she says “comfort, love, peace of mind, a sense of safety and permanence.” She and her family are looking forward to meeting their new neighbors and making new friends. Latasha and Kevon want the home to stay in the family so they always have a safe place to live. Kevon is thankful to St. Lucie Habitat, the donors, and sponsors for the opportunity to build a wonderful new home for his family.
Latasha’s and Kevon’s dream of owning their own home will soon become a reality. With positivity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to building a better life for their family, these Homeowner-in-Process Partners are unstoppable.
To learn more about St. Lucie Habitat, Hew Homeownership Program, visit https://stluciehabitat.org/buy-a-home/.
