“In the end, our home will have represented so many life lessons: sacrifice, determination, accomplishment, and perseverance.”
Warnesha “Nesha” Harris is a single mother and grandmother who has worked at the Pinellas County Tax Collectors Office for eight years. Her daughter, J’nae, is 19-years-old and loves to do her hair and nails. She recently graduated high school and is planning on attending college in the Fall where she hopes to study to become a paramedic/EMT or work in law enforcement. J’nae has a 2-year-old daughter named Aria who loves Peppa Pig and Minnie Mouse. She loves to talk and is excited to begin school so she can meet new friends. Her grandmother says “She is a ray of sunshine to the entire family. She is very intelligent for her age and has quite the sense of humor!” As a family, the trio enjoys cooking together, watching movies, and most importantly, laughing together. Nesha tells us “I love to facilitate family get togethers to enjoy great company and good food!”
For the past 10 years, the family of three has lived in a small apartment together where they have experienced faulty electrical and air conditioning systems. “There is no room inside for Aria to play and she is limited to the complex’s small parking lot as a play area when outside,” Nesha says. Getting accepted into the Habitat program was very exciting for Nesha and her family. “My first thought was ‘I guess that my hard work and determination really did pay off’. I felt a sense of relief in that homeownership is definitely on the horizon. I also felt a sense of motivation to finish what I had now started.”
“Completing the program would be more than a personal accomplishment to me. I strive to make decisions that will impact my daughter’s outlook on life. As a teen mother, I want her to know that through all of the obstacles and road blocks, she is capable. She has witnessed me through many trials and tribulations, but I’ve pushed through. I want her to know that this house is not just for me, but for her and her daughter. That if you lay a strong foundation, literally and figuratively, you end up with a solid structure.”
For those interested in volunteering with Habitat, Nesha says “There is no greater gift than that of giving. You are helping others to position themselves to be better. The organization has made the future so much brighter for so many children. It doesn’t take much, just a few hours of your time to be the hope that so many people need. Go for it!” For more information on how to get involved with volunteering on one of our build sites, in the ReStore, or at one of our events, please visit our Volunteer Page on our website.
“Home is where stability is defined, memories are made, and generational wealth is established.”
The Harris Family Home was dedicated on December 6th, 2022.
