NOKOMIS, Fla. – A woman was overcome by emotion on Thursday, after she was given a house in Nokomis.
“I’m so happy, I’m overwhelmed,” Sheila Steele said.
Steele, 62, is a first-time homeowner thanks to Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County’s “Habitat House” program, which helps set people in need up with safe and affordable housing.
They hosted a blessing and dedication ceremony for it on Thursday.
People who apply and qualify for the program have a lot of work to do before they can receive a home.
Potential homeowners help build their own home or others’ homes. Habitat for humanity calls it “sweat equity” on their website, which also includes volunteer work and taking a homeownership class. They also must be willing to pay a mortgage.
“You own your own place, you take care of it, you pay bills,” Steele said.
Christina McCauley is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County. She said they try to do this for eight to 10 people every year.
“It’s important that people can live and work where they love and where they want to raise their families,” McCauley said.
Steele added that she works as a caretaker, and her granddaughter, Tahlia Chanel Dennis, will also live with her.
She said the home was life-changing.
