Reesa celebrates a place to call home

“I am forever grateful and appreciative to know that the community surrounded us to help us accomplish our dreams.”

Reesa

Reesa, like many Habitat homeowners, is an essential member of our community’s workforce. In December, she will graduate nursing school as a Registered Nurse that specializes in addiction recovery and crisis intervention. 

A few years ago, she found herself starting over with three young girls depending solely on her. Reesa moved in with her grandmother to get back on her feet. Three bedrooms. Four generations. Four children. Each day presented challenges. 

Her family has lived in Sarasota for generations. She knows first-hand the challenge to find permanent, affordable housing with one income. Reesa sought a traditional mortgage. Even with her steady career, she hit roadblock after roadblock while seeking a home with affordable terms. 

She turned to Habitat to give her daughters the stability that a home provides. Reesa approached her partnership with Habitat with quiet determination, earning sweat equity and attending homeownership classes while juggling work and nursing school.  

Now that they are in their home, Reesa is celebrating the small moments, like her daughters being able to go outside and play in their own yard in a beautiful neighborhood. And she is looking toward their future by making plans to set aside money for a college savings plan. 

“I encourage others to put their best foot forward and go for it. There is support in this community. Before this experience, I never knew that people could be so dedicated – rain, cold, heat – the volunteers are there. They dedicate themselves. It is amazing.” 

Funding for the construction of this home was made possible through a Community Contribution Tax Credit program and a partnership with FCCI Insurance. A grant from Sisterhood for Good purchased the washer/dryer, dishwasher, and microwave for the home.

All photos seen here were taken prior to March 20, 2020 when volunteer activities were suspended due to social distancing guidelines required to contain the spread of COVID-19.