Blog
Meet the Bennett Family - HELP THIS FAMILY BUILD!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Barbara Bennett is a supportive, nurturing single parent who has raised three sons. She chose to move her family into her parent’s home so that she could better serve as a caretaker during a protracted illness. And while this offered stability, it meant that she and her son had to sleep in the same room. But it was still better than continually moving to find better accommodations.
When Barbara’s father passed, she and her son moved into a very small two bedroom duplex. She was grateful when the landlord offered to move them into a larger place, but that was short-lived as a fire made the place uninhabitable.
“When I got the call (from Habitat Pinellas), I went into the bathroom at work and thanked God for his blessing to me and my son. This is a blessing.”
Barbara has become an enthusiastic advocate for Habitat for Humanity, passing her story on to others and encouraging struggling people to apply for home ownership. “I’m following one of God’s plans,” she says. “For once in my life I’m helping a dream come true for me and my son.”
Barbara has been surprised and gratified to meet and work alongside caring, loving people to build homes for others as well as for herself. “Things really move,” she says. “It’s surprising how fast a house can be built!”
Having moved many times in the past and three times in the last year alone, Barbara will now have stability living in a home of her own. She is looking forward to being able to save for the future. But her real joy is that she will accomplish what she once believed was impossible… home ownership. And she will have a legacy. In her words, “I can leave something of value to my family.”
Welcome Home, Barbara!
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Help them build their home in: Clearwater
We are still raising money to fund the building of this home. If this family inspires you: Donate TODAY!
Meet the Buckley Family - HELP THIS FAMILY BUILD!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
 “It will be nice to have a stable place to live and not have to keep moving my kids around so that I can afford the rent,” says Candice Buckley, a single mother of two active sons. Candice and her sons moved into one bedroom at her parent’s home a little over a year ago while she enrolled in school to augment her education.
Living in a one room is fraught with difficulties. There is no place for the kids to play and study is difficult without waking the children. But Candice kept the faith and applied with Habitat Pinellas. “I was very excited to hear that I was accepted.” says Candice, “I wanted to run out and tell everyone I could.”
And while the ultimate benefit is a stable environment in which her children can grow, Candice is quick to point out that volunteering for Habitat Pinellas has been one of her best life experiences. “While working on my sweat equity hours I have met so many people who are willing to make time to volunteer. It’s truly amazing how many people there are out there who care about others and are willing to work hard in their spare time to make a family’s dreams come true.”
“If it wasn’t for Habitat Pinellas I’m not sure I would be able to afford a home,” says Candice. “Thanks to Habitat and all of the volunteers for making my dreams of becoming a home owner come true!”
Welcome Home, Candice!
Help them build their home in: St. Petersburg
We are still raising money to fund the building of this home. If this family inspires you: Donate TODAY!
Meet the Brown Family - HELP THIS FAMILY BUILD!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
 We'd like to introduce: Flora Brown and her son and their cat, Bobby.
Family sponsored by: The Roy and Ana Zellars Foundation In Memory of John B. Zellars
Help them build their home in: St. Petersburg
We are still raising money to fund the building of this home. If this family inspires you: Donate TODAY!
In a sunny St. Petersburg neighborhood, a sad little house sits in a row of well-tended homes. Inside and just through a door covered in football helmet stickers, electric blue carpet looks like it might have been plush before stains and age took their toll. From the outside, pale peach paint peeks through the black mold that masks the front walls. A large oak stands watch, as the abandoned house slowly becomes a neighborhood eyesore.
Flora Brown, however, looks at this house and sees “a palace.” “It sure needs some love,” she says. Flora is about to earn sweat equity working with volunteers to turn the house into a beautiful, happy, Habitat home -- her home.
Flora works two jobs to support her family, to be able to pay utility expenses and buy groceries. She has moved a lot, trying to escape areas where she fears her son Michael, who loves football and airplanes, is being exposed to violence and drug abuse.
“It’s been a roller coaster. The ups and downs,” she says.
For Flora, the Habitat program has been “a gift from above.” She says,“This has been a positive experience with a positive outcome.”
“We are surviving and striving for a better life,” says Flora, “It’s made me a stronger person.”
“My home will be a masterpiece of love and pride.”
“It has been exciting to take part in creating someone else’s blessing.”
“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to experience home ownership!” -- Flora Brown
By: Jamie Cataldo
Meet the Turner Family - HELP THEM BUILD!
Monday, July 26, 2010
We'd like to introduce the Turner Family: Arianna Turner and her two children
Help them build their home in: Clearwater
We are still raising money to fund the building of this home. If this family inspires you: Donate TODAY!
HABITAT: How would you describe yourself?
ARIANNA: Woman of God who believes in walking by faith, not sight. I have a very compassionate, bright 8 year old who loves books. And my four year old is outgoing, friendly and loves nature and animals.
HABITAT: Do you remember what you thought when you found out you were accepted into the Habitat program?
ARIANNA: God is Good!!!
HABITAT: Tell us a little about your "sweat equity" experiences.
ARIANNA: It is the best feeling to give of yourself for someone else, for something they are going to enjoy for generations to come. It feels good to say, "If I could do it, you could do it." I have enjoyed connecting with the community and the sharing and caring among the staff and other homeowner candidates.
HABITAT: What have your kids learned during your time in this program?
ARIANNA: It has been hard to say no to them when they want something because I have had to focus on paying of my debt. When this is done, we have some catching up to do. Mostly on seeing movies! LOL!
HABITAT: What are you most looking forward to about your new home?
ARIANNA: Family stability. To have a strong foundation to raise my chidlren and to have a sense of ownership in the community.
HABITAT: Complete this sentence: Habitat for Humanity is ...
ARIANNA: A God send!!
"My house will be filled with the love of Christ." -- Arianna Turner
By: Jamie Cataldo
Meet the Hinson Family - HELP THEM BUILD!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
We'd like to introduce the Hinson Family: Vanessa Hinson and her three sons
Help them build their home in: St. Petersburg
We are still raising money to fund the building of this home. If this family inspires you: Donate TODAY!
HABITAT: Tell us about your family.
VANESSA: I am a single mother of 3 determined young men (ages 20, 18, and 12). My children and I have an incredible relationship; we love to laugh, play video games, or just be silly. We all enjoy sports very much and spend a lot of time going to local community sporting events. Although they say I embarrass them by screaming at the referees, they remain by my side cheering throughout the entire game.
HABITAT: What has life been like for your family?
VANESSA: I have been living in the same house for the past 9yrs; however my income has never been enough to balance my bills. My rent is over half of my income and the utilities average $500 per month. I work a 2nd job just to buy groceries and household supplies. My children understand why I work so hard, but often express their desire to spend more time together. We have experienced some rough times and bad relationships, but by the grace of God, resilience, and the love we share, our good times definitely outweigh the bad.
HABITAT: What did you do when you found out you were accepted into the program?
VANESSA: First I screamed "Thank you Lord" at the top of my lungs. Then I immediately wanted to share the news with my children. So, I drove to their individual schools to give them the news. I will never forget their excitement and instant desire to start working towards our dream.
HABITAT: Some people don't understand that homeowner candidates have to build homes for others before building their own. What has that process been like?
VANESSA: The idea that you are a part in building a home for a family that may have never been able to experience homeownership any other way is so rewarding that you want to experience the feeling over and over again.
HABITAT: How will your home improve the future for your family?
VANESSA: Two years ago I would have never imagined being a homeowner. I can finally give my children a life they deserve in a place they can feel safe and free to express themselves. . I will be the first of my siblings to own a home in my family. I can use my experience to demonstrate the value in homeownership to my children and siblings. I am building because I want a place that I can make lasting memories with my children and grandchildren. I am building for my children's and grandchildren's future.
HABITAT: Complete this sentence: My house will be ...
VANESSA: an inspiration for those who are doubtful that their dream of owning a home can come true.
"I would like to thank Habitat for giving my family and me the opportunity to be homeowners and build new friendships. Thank you for teaching my children that hard work and dedication has great results. Without your program, homeownership was just a dream. Now it's a reality." - Vanessa Hinson
By: Jamie Cataldo
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