Thank you for your support!
Your generosity to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity allows us to serve our community so many ways. Check out the Homeowner Stories and videos below to see how your donation plays an important role in our mission.
Home is Where the Heart Triumphs - Dorca’s Story
Dorca, a resilient homeowner in Pensacola, had faced and overcome many challenges throughout her life. Years ago, she partnered with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to secure a home for her family. Through hard work and dedication, Dorca successfully paid off her mortgage this year, fulfilling a dream she once thought might be out of reach.
However, life had more challenges in store for Dorca. Recently, she received the unexpected news of a brain tumor diagnosis. Instead of letting fear and uncertainty take over, Dorca decided to face this new battle head-on.
Dorca's positive spirit became a beacon for her loved ones. Despite the medical challenges, she continued to cherish every moment with her children and grandchildren, finding joy in their laughter and milestones.
The home, once a symbol of her hard work and determination, became a sanctuary of strength during these trying times.
Her kids tell her “Mom, what are we gonna do when you’re not here?” Dorca tells them, “You’re gonna remember the memories—how hard we worked for this, you’re gonna learn how hard you have to work for things.”
Dorca's story became an inspiration to many—a testament to the power of determination, community, and the strength that comes from having a place to call home. Though faced with adversity, she continued to celebrate life's victories, both big and small, and in doing so, Dorca showed the world that a home is not just a structure but a foundation for resilience, hope, and unwavering strength.
Resilience and Renewal: A Heartwarming Tale of Rebuilding Together - Kevin’s Story
At Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, we are lucky to serve many individuals who’ve served our country. Kevin devoted more than two decades of his life to his military service in the Navy from 1979-2004. He completed two overseas tours, one in Belgium and another in Iceland. His commitment led him to achieve the rank of Chief in the Navy.
As a disabled veteran, he embodies resilience, much like his wife, who bravely faces life with a single lung while battling a chronic illness. Kevin's aspiration to become a teacher was temporarily set aside, a selfless decision to safeguard his wife from the looming threat of COVID-19. Settling into Pensacola included buying their home that was built in the 1950s. Just two years later, Hurricane Sally hit Northwest Florida.
Hurricane Sally caused widespread destruction on their home. At first, it was only a few leaks. Yet, a damaged roof was no match for the many rainstorms that would follow. After sheet rock had been completely saturated, the ceiling in multiple areas of their home fell through. A small pool was placed in the kitchen to catch rainwater. Many of their belongings were lost to water damage.
Navigating the complexities with insurance companies only created more challenges. However, amidst these difficult circumstances, your support has served as a beacon of hope. With help from Owen’s Corning, Holloway Roofing, ABC Supplies Co., and our support from you, the roof has been repaired at no cost to Kevin and his wife.
From Shared Bedroom to Homeownership - Rachel's Story
At 26 years old, Rachel didn’t see herself being a homeowner this early, but believes God’s timing is His timing. “Living is so expensive," says Rachel. In her current living situation, Rachel and her two children share one bedroom. “It is cluttered but we have a roof over our head, so we are grateful.” She is excited for her family to finally have their own space.
Rachel is our 10th Women Build Homebuyer. Women Build empowers women from all walks of life to come together and make affordable housing a reality by engaging in fundraising, construction, and advocacy.
“The best part of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is meeting so many great, beautiful people.” She describes our Women Builders as “selfless and caring,” and that she is “so appreciative of those women.”
Rachel appreciates the valuable experiences of volunteering and building a sense of community. “It has changed my outlook on life,” she says.
“Just seeing how many people actually take time out of their day to help others with just this one organization—it’s amazing. It makes me want to keep volunteering until after my home is complete.”
A Little Help Goes A Long Way - Arsola’s Story
As Betty Salter would say, “We are all better off if we do something for somebody else.”
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Arsola closed on her home this past April. Sandra, Arsola’s mother, closed on her home 24 years ago. At the age of 57, she decided to seek out further education and graduated college in May. Affordable homeownership makes things like furthering education possible.
Sandra recalls Betty Salter, Pensacola Habitat’s former Executive Director who served for 45 years without collecting a paycheck, helping her throughout her time in our Homebuyer Program. Her daughter Arsola, now 38, remembers volunteering at United Way as a teenager to help her mother earn her sweat equity hours. She answered phones, and filed papers, along with other office work. Arsola wanted to help her mom as much as possible because this would be her home too. Her strong work ethic was formed then.
Sandra’s father was battling cancer at the time but was still able to help raise the walls of his daughter’s new home. She remembers him saying “he is doing this for his baby,” and that was a blessing all by itself.
For her closing in 1999, they remember everyone in their front yard celebrating, also known as a Home Dedication. Her three children would grow up in that house.
After they got the keys to their new home, her grandma took her to Rooms To Go and told her to “pick out anything she wanted,” no matter the cost. She felt like she was on top of the world.
Years later, she decided to donate the furniture to our ReStore, where profits go directly back into our mission of creating affordable homeownership.
Arsola is grateful for being able to experience homeownership with her mom and to have helped her get her hours. “I felt great because we had our own space, not living in an apartment anymore,” says Arsola.
This experience left a mark on Arsola. She saw how it worked for her mother and thought it would be a good fit for her and her child.
“I’ve had some challenging times. Sometimes I got real discouraged… but faith kept me going—trusting in God.” From watching her mother, she learned how to be successful in homeownership. “Do what you’re supposed to do, handle your adultness—or else you won’t have a home.”
She and her daughter now have their own space, more bonding time, and dinners at the table. This home is a symbol of her family’s hard work and our community’s dedication to our mission.
Because of you, stories like Arsola’s are possible. Thank you.
“Coming home to our own home every night is peace of mind.”
-Amber, Homeowner