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Michelle Nixon

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Michelle Nixon

Michelle Nixon was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a brother and two sisters. Her father worked for the city of Philadelphia’s water department, while her mother cared for the children and home.

Growing up, Michelle and her sisters played dress up and pretended to live in their own homes (a tent in their bedroom made out of blankets and sheet). They cooked dinner for their children (baby dolls) as their mother cooked for them. They always said they wanted  to live comfortably in their own home. Michelle always said that she did not want any children while her sister’s said they wanted three or four.Michelle’s brother was the oldest and the first to move into his home in Georgia with his family. Her older sister moved next. Michelle wanted to move into her own home, but did not see that happening, because her mother chose a life of drugs. Michelle was forced to stay home to care for her younger sister.After her mother turned to Jehovah and turned her life completely around, Michelle knew it was time to start living life on her own. In 1997, Michelle moved to North Carolina with her then fiancé Lyman Harris. Shortly after the move, she was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Lyshell Harris. After Lyshell was born, Michelle wanted nothing but the best for her. She knew the only way to do that was to earn a degree. In the summer of 2003, Michelle entered the North Carolina Central University School of Business to obtain a degree in Business Management. She knew this would be a start to a wonderful life for Lyshell, but something was still missing…a home. Michelle and Lyshell live in a one bedroom apartment. The place is so small that Michelle changed the living area into her bedroom so her daughter could have her own room.While on the campus of NCCU, Michelle met Ruby Messick in the Community Service Building. Ms. Messick told about Habitat for Humanity of Durham and suggested that she apply. In May, Michelle completed the application and this summer was informed that she was approved for a Habitat home. Michelle is absolutely thrilled for this opportunity and is excited that she and her daughter will finally have a home to call their own.