Devonna is a hard-working, family-orientated, faith-filled person, who is looking forward to becoming a Habitat homeowner. She, her mother Delores, and Devonna’s two children will be living in a safer, more accessible home of their own, and they can hardly wait. Devonna has four siblings, and they love large family gatherings. Devonna and Delores cannot host these gatherings right now because they don’t have the space, but when their house is finished, they look forward to being able to do so.
Devonna has worked at the Arc Crisis Center for twelve years. The Arc Crisis Center is a non-profit organization that provides a safe haven for children in extremely difficult situations. Working at the crisis center has made Devonna a very compassionate and empathetic person.
Devonna and Delores have been renting an apartment for a very long time, but rental rates keep rising, and their living situation is increasingly hard. Their apartment involves stairs, which have become difficult and dangerous for Delores. Delores has had several serious falls and needs a one-story place to live. Additionally, the apartment complex is poorly maintained, and the sidewalks and the parking lot are dangerous, especially in the winter. Also, the walls are thin, and noise is a problem.
The family has known about Habitat for a long time. In high school, Devonna’s Senior Project was on Habitat. Also, three of Devonna’s siblings have Habitat homes. They have continually encouraged Devonna and Delores to apply, and when Delores was seriously injured in a fall at their apartment, they knew the time had come. Devonna received the phone call that they had been accepted while Delores was still recovering from the fall in the hospital. They were so excited and ready to get started.
Devonna is working hard to meet all the requirements of the program– the classes and the 300 hours of sweat equity, but she does not find it a burden as she balances it with her job and caring for her family. She and her mother have a goal in mind, so they are excited and can remain positive.
The family is looking forward to a stable, safe place– one that is peaceful and quiet as well as large enough for their needs. The kids are looking forward to having a yard to play in and to picking out colors for their rooms. Devonna and Delores are ready to give their house “those special touches that make a house a home.” They are so grateful to the Habitat program, the sponsor and volunteers, and to the entire Habitat community of homeowners and future homeowners. They also have a large support group of friends, family, church family, and even Devonna’s boss and co-workers. The family has been aware of the program for years, and they were already aware of “how much of a community and family it is.”