Habitat program restores independence for Chelan resident

CHELAN — A new home repair project is helping a longtime resident remain independent in the house where she grew up, thanks to community volunteers and a partnership between Lake Chelan Habitat for Humanity and the Lake Chelan School District.

For Tasheena Christensen, Chelan is more than a place to live. It is the community where she was born, raised and has spent much of her life caring for others.

Christensen still lives in the home where she grew up, which she inherited after caring for her parents during the final years of their lives. Her career has also centered on helping others, including work as a caregiver and as a teacher for young children.

After studying special education, Christensen worked as a nanny and most recently as a toddler teacher at Kid Haven in Manson. She said she especially enjoyed developing creative programs, leading art projects and building relationships with the children and families she served.

“I’ve always been happiest when I’m teaching,” she said. “Watching children grow and gain confidence — that’s everything.”

Outside of work, Christensen enjoys thrift shopping, including visits to the Habitat Store, taking road trips, camping and attending the annual balloon festival with friends she has known since childhood.

Her life changed dramatically after her fifth surgery related to a congenital spine condition. When she woke from the procedure, she discovered she was paralyzed from the chest down.

The transition has been difficult, but Christensen said she remains focused on maintaining her independence.

“I’m really proud that I haven’t given up,” she said. “I’m determined to stay in my home and learn how to live a long, independent, joyful life despite my obstacles.”

A key part of that independence is making her home accessible. Water damage in the house made the need for repairs more urgent, particularly in the bathroom.

Through Lake Chelan Habitat’s Repairs Program, volunteers and students from the Chelan High School shop program are remodeling the bathroom, repairing damage and converting the space into one that is wheelchair accessible.

For Christensen, the renovation represents more than a home improvement project.

“If I can have a bathroom that’s accessible, I can be more independent,” she said. “This is what keeps me in my home and out of a nursing home.”

The project also highlights the role of community support. Christensen said she is especially excited that local students are helping complete the work.

“I think it’s amazing that students get to do this,” she said. “They’re not just learning construction skills — they get to see how much their work matters and who they are helping. I love that so much!”

The Repairs Program is designed to assist homeowners who have strong ties to the community but face financial or physical challenges that make critical repairs difficult to complete on their own.

“We are so excited to be starting this program,” said Michelle Fanton, executive director of Lake Chelan Habitat for Humanity. “Preserving existing affordable housing is one of the most important things we can do for the future of our community. The fact that this gives us more opportunities to partner with local organizations and businesses, like the Lake Chelan School District, is just the icing on the cake.”

With the help of donations, volunteer labor and local partnerships, Christensen will soon have a safer and more accessible bathroom — allowing her to remain in the home where she has spent her life.

“I’ve cared for others my whole life,” she said. “Now I’m learning how to accept care — and how much this community truly cares about me.”

Michelle Fanton contributed to this report.