“It truly takes a village,” she says.
Every other day, Kendra wakes up to the sound of little knocks on her door. Not just from her own children, but from kids across the neighborhood. Over time, she has earned their trust, and her home has become a safe, welcoming place for all of them. As a single mother of five, many might see the chaos as overwhelming. But for Kendra, it’s a source of joy. She finds purpose in creating special moments, not only for her children but for the many children who come to her door for a snack, a game, or simply to be cared for.
“We’ve all been living over there for a while, so they’re all kind of like cousins.”
Caring for others is at the core of who Kendra is. It gives her a sense of belonging and impact. The independence she has gained through housing has allowed her to extend a helping hand even further. When she isn’t hosting parking lot parties or summer water balloon tournaments, she dreams of owning a business providing respite care for children with special needs. Her work in CTLS caring for children, including her younger brother, keeps her grounded and allows her to build a career around her passion.
“Sometimes we forget the struggle we went through to get to a place where we can say we are okay,” Kendra reflects.
Kendra’s journey began long before Madison. Growing up as the oldest of seven, she navigated constant transitions and instability. Providing her children with what she didn’t have, a safe, stable home, has always been her driving force.
A few years ago, Kendra fled Milwaukee following a domestic violence situation, arriving in Madison with two small children and another on the way. With no housing, she relied on living with her grandparents and connecting with shelters in the city. Even when it meant taking shuttle buses from Milwaukee to Madison for job interviews or appointments, she did what she had to do to give her children a better life.
“I would book one ticket for the shuttle bus with the money I had because I didn’t have a driver’s license or much income,” she says. “I hoped there was an open seat next to me for my children.”
Everything changed in 2018, when Kendra was accepted into The Road Home Dane County’s Housing and Hope program, where she received subsidized housing and supportive services. For the first time, she could provide her growing family with the space to thrive and pursue her own passions, supported by a network of care. Through her housing advocate, she found not only access to resources that helped with childcare, transportation, and everyday essentials, but also a steady source of encouragement. Whether working toward goals or simply needing a safe place to talk through life’s challenges, she knew she wasn’t doing it alone.
“My family has grown, but mentally, I’ve grown too,” Kendra says. “I was able to give myself something my parents weren’t able to give me.”
Today, Kendra reflects on how far she has come, understanding the difference that access to resources and stability can make. For her, being a mother is not a limitation; it is a purpose. Housing gives her independence, which in turn allowed her to nurture her children, support her community, and pursue her dreams.
And every day, that purpose comes knocking. Literally. As neighborhood children return again and again, seeking a snack, a laugh, or simply a safe space, Kendra’s home continues to be a place where love, care, and community intersect. In her story, it’s clear: it truly takes a village, and Kendra is both a part of it and the heart of it.