SUFFOLK, Va. — A Suffolk mother and son got an early Christmas gift: a new home just in time for the holidays. Habitat For Humanity of South Hampton Roads presented the house to the family Saturday morning.
Shawda Williams, the mother, describes herself as a workaholic who loves to help others, according to a statement from Habitat Suffolk. Her son, Nasir, is a Lake Taylor High School junior varsity football player
The duo has lived in a two-bedroom apartment with Shawda Williams' mother, stepfather and four dogs. It's a tight space, with Williams having the second bedroom and her son sleeping on the living room couch.
But now, they have a space of their own.
With Habitat For Humanity of South Hampton Roads' help, the mother-son duo are now first-time homeowners.
"I am excited about building equity and providing financial security for my family," Shawda Williams said in a statement provided by Habitat For Humanity. "My best friend was a chosen recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home seven years ago and encouraged me to apply. I now can build a foundation for a safe, stable, affordable home for the rest of our lives. The security of owning our own home will allow us to finally save and focus on my son's college goals."
Habitat for Humanity homes are never given away for free. Representatives work with families towards homeownership with interest-free mortgages.
Habitat Homeowners purchasing homes must have stable employment, good credit and invest at least 200 hours of "sweat equity" to help build their new home.