‘I’m so grateful’: Mother of three and other families receive keys to new Habitat homes in southwest Miami-Dade

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FL. (WSVN) — It was a heartfelt ceremony for a group of South Florida families who have finally received the keys to their new homes after weeks of hard work thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Crystal Holt on Saturday morning invited 7News to look into her new home in southwest Miami-Dade.

The tour comes after a lot of blood, sweat and prayers.

“We used to pray for her to get a house and everything, and now it’s happening,” Navon Wright said. “God has answered our prayers.”

“I came here every day after work, left work at 4:30 in the morning, and at 5 I was here, right in front of this house, and slept until it was time to build this house,” Holt said.

The Holts now have the keys to their new home.

Several other families also attended the Blitz Build Habitat opening ceremony.

New homes located on Southwest 178th Street and 102nd Avenue just need one finishing touch.

“Just a few days ago, these houses were concrete shells, and now they have become houses,” said Mario Artekona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami. “Today we honor the families who will turn them into homes.”

It was a moment filled with joy for the homeowners as well as for the volunteers who put a lot of effort into building the houses.

As a sponsor, Baptist Health has been helping fund the opportunity for more South Florida residents to buy a safe, affordable home for over 20 years.

“This was our 96th house. They all take their mission very seriously,” said Susan Magner of Baptist Health. “I’m happy to be a part of it today.”

Craig Stevens of 7News was there to mark the truly life-changing moment.

“This house, this is where my dreams were born.” It’s not just a roof over your head,” he said as Holt burst into tears.

The Holt House is ranked 23rd in WSVN-sponsored Miami-Dade County.

“It really speaks to our commitment to the community,” Stevens said. “After Hurricane Andrew, we really believe you are building communities one house at a time.”

Publix gave Holt a $500 gift certificate.

The mother of three, who works for the US Postal Service, said the experience will bring new life and show how self-sacrifice and hard work can bring the sweetest rewards.

“It means I have something to leave for my children,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, the journey wasn’t easy, but with the help of Habitat I made it and I’m so grateful.”

WSVN is a longtime supporter and sponsor of Habitat for Humanity.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Human Habitat in Greater Miami
305-634-3628
www.miamihabitat.org

Broward Human Habitat
954-396-3030
www.habitatbroward.org

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