Mother of 3 shares the goal of owning a home against the backdrop of Blitz Build Habitat in Southwest Miami-Dade

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FL. (WSVN) – A South Florida woman’s dream of owning a home for her and her children is about to become a reality thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

7News cameras captured volunteers diligently building homes in Southwest Miami-Dade on Day 7 of the annual Blitz Build Habitat on Saturday morning.

“We are turning gray concrete shells into colorful homes,” said Mario Artekona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami.

Over the past seven days and the coming week, about 1,000 volunteers will work tirelessly to complete the construction of new homes for people who may have trouble getting them.

Future homeowners investing in capital include Crystal Holt.

“I have worked very hard to get where I am. It wasn’t easy,” she said.

The mother-of-three helped paint the house she will eventually call home on Saturday.

Holt said it was a labor of love to get to this point.

“In terms of building my credit, getting my loan, it took time and making sure I had the money to fall back on to complete my closure,” she said.

WSVN Channel 7 continues to be proud to be a longtime sponsor of Habitat for Humanity. The station maintains Holt’s home, as have many others over the years.

Artecona said the work is needed now more than ever.

“Unfortunately, we are one of the least affordable housing cities in the country, so thanks to Habitat and our sponsors like WSVN, we are able to provide a family in need with the opportunity to become homeowners,” he said.

Holt said she is grateful for the opportunity to work on homeownership with Habitat.

“They are so patient with you. They say, firstly, they are like that – the help was wonderful; even if you are not ready, they will help you get ready,” she said.

But the future homeowner said it’s more than a process, as the end result will be a place she and her family can enjoy for years to come.

“I have something to leave the children. I have a yard where my kids can play in a safe area,” she said. “I don’t need to be in the apartment and hear all this noise every night.”

She takes another step towards getting her house keys and moving in.

“I am looking forward to the move. I’m ready to move. I’m ready, I’m so excited,” she said. I have been trying to buy a house for a long time.

The Holt House marks the 23rd WSVN-supported Habitat House. The goal is to complete all five family homes next weekend.

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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