Christi Black Evans’ story is one of perseverance, faith, and the unshakable belief that homeownership is not just a dream, but a journey worth taking, no matter the obstacles.
As the daughter of Betty Black, a board member at NeighborWorks Waco, Christi grew up with a deep appreciation for the value of owning a home. Her parents have lived in the same home for over 50 years, instilling in her the idea that a house is more than just a place to live, it’s a foundation for family, stability, and legacy.
Christi purchased her first home in 1995 at the young age of 24. But her promising start took an unexpected turn when she suddenly became a single parent with two small children and one income. Maintaining the home, which needed significant repairs, became nearly impossible. “It was truly a ‘fixer-upper’ before that was even a popular term,” Christi recalls.
Eventually, she rented the home out and later moved back in, juggling the physical and emotional weight of home maintenance on her own. Things became even more complicated when she tried to purchase a second home and discovered liens, both federal and state, on her first property. Through sheer determination, a little legal help, and “the grace of God,” Christi was able to resolve the issues and pay off her debts when the home sold.
Although she had been turned down by two other lenders, she took their advice to heart and worked hard to improve her credit and finances.
Armed with a solid job and a strong desire to move forward, Christi continued her research and found NeighborWorks Waco. With the help of NeighborWorks Waco’s educational classes and counseling, she learned how to budget more effectively and navigate the complex process of buying a home.
Their team guided her to the house that would become her second home—and her sanctuary. “Everything just fit,” Christi says. “I remember putting my hand on the door handle and praying, ‘Lord, if this is the home you would have for me, I’m ready to be blessed with what you’re going to bless me with.’” Nineteen years later, she’s still in that home.
Her daughters, now grown, are a testament to her strength and perseverance. One is pursuing her Doctorate after earning her Master’s degree and is recently engaged. The other, a Bachelor’s graduate, is married to a U.S. Air Force serviceman. Together, they have given Christi two beautiful granddaughters.
To Christi, her home has become a symbol of everything she’s overcome. Recently, she installed a new roof and painted her chimney red.
“That red chimney is my symbol,” she shares. “It feels like the steeple of a church. It reminds me every day that I can make it, that I will survive once again, and that life is still beautiful, just like my home.”
Her advice to others facing similar challenges is heartfelt and practical:
“Don’t give up on your dream. Even when life takes unexpected turns, keep going. Educate yourself, explore community programs like NeighborWorks Waco, and surround yourself with people who encourage you.”
Christi emphasizes the importance of creativity and resilience—renting when necessary, starting small, and keeping multiple income streams. In addition to her full-time job, she’s a passionate entrepreneur, running Christi and Company Consulting and Travel Group, and has worked in everything from restaurant management to wedding coordination.
Most importantly, she reminds us: “Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step forward—no matter how small—is progress.”
Christi’s story is more than just a tale of buying a house. It is a story of building a life, one determined step at a time. And thanks to NeighborWorks Waco, her dream of a lasting, loving home is not only real, it includes the red chimney and all.
