Hometown Habitat News

Welcome Home: Harper Family!

Welcome Home Harper Family 2022 (2)

Dawnkevya Harper and her children will soon be closing on their first home, thanks to the dedicated club members of the Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club. The Harper’s will be moving into a 4bd/2ba home in Fruitland Park. The Harper’s home is the second home built by the Habitat Villages Club under the leadership of Sally Reed and Kevin Tucker.  The club has dedicated over 2,000 volunteer hours in the construction of the Harper’s home. The family of five will now have a safe place to call home, where they can thrive and make many cherished memories together.

“Our dream is finally coming true, and we are so grateful and blessed to have an amazing team of supporters.”- Dawnkevya

Having a home where her children can safely play and enjoy being kids without worry, motivated Dawnkevya to work harder and become financially established. She and her children have had to live in dangerous and cramped environments. Her children could not enjoy their childhood and have bikes or toys like other children due to limited space. As a mother, it was tough having to constantly tell her children no to things they wanted and should have as kids.  Finally, after years of staying with friends and relatives, the Harpers were able to find a nice home to rent. Although their rental home met their needs and provided them some security, Dawnkevya began thinking about her children’s future.

“I wanted a place that they could call their forever home without the worries of moving.”- Dawnkevya

The journey of homeownership has been a long road. Dawnkevya initially applied for a Habitat home several years ago, but her financial circumstances prevented her from being selected as a candidate. Disappointed, she did not allow her to better. She followed the recommendations given by our Program Director, Veronica, and began learning how to repair her credit and improve her finances. She continued to better herself, and in the fall of 2021, she reapplied and was chosen as the top candidate!

“All I can say is hard work and determination pays off. Never did I think a single mother could become a homeowner.”

Dawnkevya shares this message, “As life goes on, sometimes you find yourself in some tough situations. I’m proud to say that the smiles and encouragement I receive from my little ones makes me strive for better. Becoming a first-time homeowner means everything to me. I’ll be able to make sure my kids know we have a safe place to call home. We get to build a lifetime foundation making memories together. This process is a big investment to our future. After years of searching for an affordable home to own, I’m just so honored and grateful that my family was chosen to receive such a blessing. Thank you, Habitat for Humanity!”

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