“Our life and future is going to be very different in many ways. Life will be more stable, happy, and blessed with a Habitat home!”

Nikole Severino is a single mother, employee, and student who is working towards her dream of homeownership with Habitat. She is a Medical Assistant, Office Manager, and the Director of Clinical Services for the Florida Spine Center and has worked there for over eight years. She is a mother to her 13-year-old niece, Alliana, her 11-year-old daughter, Ahleiya, her 5-year-old son, Nekhi, and her 5-month-old son, Nyeir. All of her kids love to play soccer. “The girls like Tik Tok & Nekhi loves Roblox,” Nikole says. “They love to watch scary movies and spend quality time together.” As a family, they like to go to the beach and the park.

The Severino Family’s living situation has not been stable. “I have always rented and it seems like as soon as we get comfortable, we have to move. I’ve had to switch their schools due to moving and it’s upsetting for them because they make friends and get used to one school, then have to switch.” Nikole tells us that her kids have always shared a room and have never had their own space because of the size of the apartments that they usually rent.

“When I found out I was accepted into the Habitat program, I literally cried! I had heard so much about the program and I had seen so many homes that Habitat has built. I never thought I would be so lucky to get into the program. So, when I found out, I cried and said “LOOK AT GOD”! I was in shock and it didn’t seem real for a few weeks. It is definitely a blessing!”

The family is most looking forward to having a space that they can call their own. Everyone will have their own room and they will not have to worry about moving ever again. “I am building because I want to create a stable life, home, and foundation for my children,” Nikole says. “I want them to always have a home.”

For anyone considering applying for the Habitat Homeownership Program, Nikole offers this advice: “The work to get into the program is a lot and can be overwhelming, but it is beyond worth it! If you get the opportunity – DO IT! I promise you won’t regret it!” For more information about how to apply or refer someone to the program, please visit our Apply Page on our website.

“My house will be a place of love and peace.”

The Severino Family Home was dedicated on May 11th, 2022.