SUFFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Habitat for Humanity is building dreams along with new homes. Life is now very good to Malika Traynham, who went from being homeless to being a home owner.
"It's changed my life immensely," Malika said. "It makes you feel good."
Malika and her four children are feeling good these days because they've come a long way.
"We lived in a shelter, we slept in a car a few nights," she said. "We kept on praying and getting through it and working hard."
They also got through it thanks to Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. Volunteers and staff members built a new home for Malika and her family. But this is no hand out. Habitat recipients have to demonstrate they can pay for the house at a price arranged with Habitat for Humanity and they must put in 400 hours of sweat equity to build their home.
Malika put in the work and is glad she did.
"I can work a lot of different tools now," she said. "I'm more apt to do it myself instead of having someone come do it for me so it gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride."
And she's full of pride thanks to the friends she's made with Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, many were volunteers who donate their time and skill and goodwill to make life better for others.
"Thank you first and foremost for making a difference in my life and thank you for making a difference in others," Malika said. "You guys are awesome."
And more awesome volunteers will be in the 900 block of Lake Kennedy Drive in Suffolk on Saturday, October 24 bright and early for "Make A Difference Day".
They'll have some company -- many of us from 13News Now. Make A Difference Day is an initiative by our parent company, Tegna and USA Today, to encourage volunteerism all across the country.
We can't wait to roll up our sleeves and do some dirty work!
"Oh gosh this job is very rewarding," said Christine Early, Chief Operating Officer of Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. "It's the most rewarding thing I've ever done."
