SUFFOLK, Va. — A Suffolk resident is celebrating becoming a homeowner, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads.
Timmeisha Jones and her three daughters were living with 11 other family members on a blow up mattress on the living room floor. However, over the last 18 months through help of the nonprofit, lots of hard work and the support of her family, she was finally able to buy her own home.
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At the dedication ceremony, Timmeisha said settling into her new home is especially exciting during the holiday season.
"I'm just looking forward to actually being in here," she said. "Whether we cook a meal on Thanksgiving or not, just being in here will make me grateful looking forward to being in the holiday season with my family with my children."
Timmeisha says she was able to make the home her own. She picked the color of the paint, the style of the floor, the cabinets and the countertops.
"Everything is literally my design and they just built it for me," she said.
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She said she was given the opportunity after working hard on her credit and making sure she was saving money.
"I had to attend classes and complete 200 sweat equity hours," Timmeisha explained. "You're actually coming out to build on your own home or help build on other homes in the program and you also get your sweat equity hours by attending your classes, submitting your paperwork on time and things of that nature."
Timmeisha shared the following advice for others who may be considering applying for a Habitat house: "Definitely do your research. Make sure that the program is fit for you because everything is not for everyone. And whatever your situation is, just keep going. Don't give up."
Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads thanks all of their donors and volunteers for making this possible.