A dedicated single mother and domestic violence survivor is becoming a first-time homeowner through Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. Amanda will purchase her home with a zero percent interest mortgage through the Habitat Homeownership Program. When she arrived at her home dedication on Tuesday, June 15, Amanda and her two children had no idea they would be receiving a $5,000 down-payment assistance check from Warrick Dunn Charities and $10,000 worth of furnishings from Aaron’s!
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties partnered with Warrick Dunn for the 190th home celebration nationwide by Warrick Dunn Charities. The former NFL star’s nonprofit organization identifies single parents across the country and helps them achieve their goal of first-time homeownership as part of its “Homes for the Holidays” program. All of the finishing touches, groceries, and down-payment assistance were made possible thanks to support from Ryan Jumeville and Cigna. Community partner, MarineMax sponsored this home in Pinellas Park. This was MarineMax’s fourth home sponsorship with our affiliate.
A single mom to two daughters, Amanda works in medical administration to support her family. While they live comfortably in an apartment, the crime in the area prevents the children from playing outside safely, something Amanda knows they need to continue growing and developing. Owning her own home has been a lifelong dream, and doing it without a partner after overcoming homelessness and surviving domestic violence makes the accomplishment even more rewarding.
“I have come a long way from experiencing homelessness, and overall life struggles. This has made me the strong woman that never looks back. My kids and I always focus on our dreams, and I hope I am living proof for them”, said Amanda.
As part of an ongoing effort to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to the area’s working-class neighborhoods, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco continues to work with the City of Pinellas Park and community partners to build homes in Tellor Estates, the affiliate’s largest development to date. Amanda and her family are the newest homeonwers in the neighborhood.
As of June 2021, Habitat has completed 27 new home builds in Tellor Estates. Upon completion, a total of 75 safe and affordable Habitat homes will be built. This August, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco will celebrate our 700th Home Build milestone in the Pinellas Park neighborhood.
To view the dedication live stream, please visit: https://fb.watch/68AjSK0E3U/
