My name is Tempesst Tate. I have two children, Travon and Montey and as a family of 3, we live here in Peoria, IL. I am originally from Kalamazoo, MI and I moved to Peoria, IL as a young child. I graduated from an Apostolic church where I received my diploma from high school. I continued my education at Illinois Central College, where I received my certificate to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I worked for Proctor Hospital for 4 1/2 years. Now, I am an employee at OSF Hospital. I would like to return to college for my degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. I've always had it in my heart to help others and I knew that was one of my callings.

I am a single mother raising two children on my own and it has had its share of trials. It has shown me that everyone, especially families, should be grounded with more balance in life. I have learned to never settle, to never give up, follow your dreams, and most importantly put God first! As a family, we enjoy going up North to my hometown, Kalamazoo, yo visit my God mother and my family. We have family here in Peoria, IL, as well. My children love sports, reading the Bible, and watching Bible stories. Overall, I appreciate having a family to love, laugh, pray, raise and show them it is greater on the other side of life. The more you trust and believe in God, work hard, and do what is right in life the more it will eventually pay off.

I want to acknowledge Habitat for Humanity for helping families to become homeowners, and most importantly being Christians that have a heart for God and His people. Having a home to call your own is a blessing. Having a family to share it with is too. Learning the values of keeping things in order, learning new things about yourself while being a homeowner puts you in a position to be stronger as an adult. Learning to operate a home using the techniques offered in the classes makes homeownership a possibility. Being more dependable, getting things done at your own pace works better than having to put matters in someone else's hands not knowing if the job is done properly. When you are a homeowner you can do it yourself (thinking out of your own elements). Having a permanent place to call home is an honor and so is living in Peoria, IL. God bless Habitat for Humanity for all that you do to help families and someone like me.