“Habitat for Humanity is a chance for everyone who puts in the commitment to have a safe home.”
Yolanda Hovey is a single mother to two daughters: 21-year-old Nicole and 12-year-old Sarah. The family of three is on their journey towards homeownership together with Habitat for Humanity. Yolanda is a medical office representative and has worked for BayCare Medical Group for over 15 years. She says, “I would describe myself as someone who works very hard. I work full-time but I also consider myself a full-time mom. I make sure I’m always there for my children no matter what.” Her eldest daughter is in college full-time and is studying to become a dentist. Her youngest daughter is in middle school and loves reading, writing, and anything to do with Marvel and Harry Potter. Yolanda tells us, “My daughters aim to please and are very respectful and kind. I think it’s important for them to make me proud bringing home excellent grades because they’ve seen the struggle of being raised by a single mom.”
“It’s been challenging moving from home to home,” Yolanda says. She has lost count of how many times she has moved since her divorce. “This last home we had been in for seven years, but all because it cost so much to move.” Her home has been infested with rats that come from the house next-door that has been vacant for many years. Also, every time something breaks down in the house the landlord tries to blame is on Yolanda, when in reality it’s because the house is so old.” I’ve had to come out of pocket for repairs many times,” she says. “There has been so many electrical issues and plumbing issues.”
