By Richard Washington
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June 30, 2025
National Homeownership Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that make homeownership an accessible option for everyone and to evolve the conversation about what a home looks like. We also want to highlight individuals and initiatives that are working towards helping those in need. Impactful Lives is a nonprofit organization supporting unhoused young mothers living in shelters. Founded by Natasha Williams, the organization adopts a holistic, community-driven approach to address five critical challenges faced by these mothers: reproductive justice, economic insecurity, youth development, educational attainment, and food insecurity. Through tailored support, mentorship, career guidance, and essential provisions, Impactful Lives empowers these women to transform their circumstances and emerge as thriving contributors to society. With the mantra "The time to make a difference is now," Impactful Lives offers several programs focused on mental health support, provides essential supplies, and celebrates achievements. These programs include back-to-school and essential item drives, grocery store outings to help mothers purchase fresh produce, moving celebrations for those transitioning to independent living, and intimate sessions where successful mothers volunteer to share their personal journeys, offering hope and inspiration to moms currently in shelter. Additionally, their annual signature event: hosting uplifting Mother’s Day brunches at the shelters serves as a moment of refresh and inspiration. Lastly, Impactful Lives works with women to build a plan for homeownership that includes down payment assistance, aided by DPR (a resource provided through OneKey MLS). Natasha Williams, the driving force behind Impactful Lives, brings over 15 years of expertise in finance, a distinguished background as a youth educator, and a successful career in real estate. Her unwavering commitment to community empowerment and social change inspired her to create this self-funded nonprofit, where she serves as both founder and president with passion and dedication. She also regularly teaches first-time homebuying seminars to help buyers navigate the process and partners with housing agencies to expand access to down payment assistance, financial education, and sustainable homeownership opportunities. In 2023, Natasha Williams was honored with the REALTOR® Spirit Award from the Long Island Board of REALTORS® for her extraordinary impact and dedication to her community. Under her leadership, Impactful Lives continues to ignite hope and foster meaningful change for young mothers in need. Learn more about Impactful Lives' mission and programs, and explore ways to contribute at https://www.impactfullives.org . For more information on National Homeownership Month, visit the NAR resource page .