Habitat for Humanity dedicates seven homes in busy week
Local teacher and artist Sherri Hart didn’t take it for granted when her youngest daughter washed the dishes and made brownies in her very own oven for the first time.
“She normally doesn’t do dishes, or bake,” Hart said in a text message, one of many she sent. “I think she’s really enjoying this blessing.”
Having lived in Section 8 housing and dealt with all that comes with it, she appreciated and cherished the dream of owning her own home.
Hart, a mother of three who moved into her Habitat for Humanity home in North Fort Myers last week, was one of seven families throughout Lee County who achieved the dream of home ownership when their homes were dedicated this past week.
“It’s been a life-changing week for seven Lee County families,” said Kitty Green, Habitat CEO, in a statement. “Safe, decent, and affordable housing improves families’ health and educational attainment, and builds stability and self-reliance. Those families now have a stable foundation to build on.”
For Hart the journey was a long one, filled with obstacles. Yet, as she said, she kept on keeping on.
“It didn’t feel real. I’ve struggled so long. There were times when I was ready to give up,” Hart said. “I couldn’t give up. I kept fighting until I did it.”
Cathy Chestnut, spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, said it has been an amazing week as the recipients successfully attained their sweat equity, the $1,700 in closing costs and attended homeowner workshops.
“It’s great. You learn everyone’s story and they’re all different. This was a very diverse set of new homeowners,” Chestnut said.
Chestnut said many new Habitat homeowners are single mothers, but this group included Alberto Hernandez, a single father, who bought another North Fort Myers house with his girlfriend so his brother would have a place to learn how to walk again.
Another was an older woman who was paying half her pension on rent and who has also battled cancer. Chestnut said the stories unfold as the journey progresses.
On the big day, when the owners close on the property, the ceremonies include the presentation of the keys, symbolic gifts such as an American flag, doorknocker and Bible, and a blessing of the home.
They also include tears of joy as the homeowners talk about their long journey to achieve a slice of the “American Dream.” Many of them didn’t think the dream was possible.
Hart had applied previously, but failed. But she didn’t give up, and the second time proved to be a charm.
“My miracle came. I didn’t make enough money the first time, but got a raise the second time and qualified. It took a couple years,” Hart said.
In the meantime, Hart had to live in a roach-infested Section 8 home that was not maintained by the landlord. That experience taught her something and inspired her more.
“When people say negative things about lower-income people, it’s not always the people’s fault. I have first-hand knowledge,” Hart said. “We had roaches and mice and the landlord never fixed it and the tenants don’t have money to fix it. It’s insane the way they have to live.”
With Hart, Fernandez and the rest, the work they put in before and during the process made them worthy of a hand up.
“All of the right mechanisms fell into place for these new homebuyers during a short time span. We were thrilled to turn over the keys to each of these families,” Chestnut said.