Habitat for Humanity for the Morgans
Donation protected
As you all may or may not know, my family has been approved to receive a home from Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. Many of you probably don't know my story and how long the struggle has been to secure a stable home for my family but I definitely have a million stories to tell about our journey - you should ask me about some one day. Anyway, I have created this page because contrary to popular beliefs Habitat for Humanity does not "give" you a home free and clear. What they do is bless you with a home with a small down-payment and a no interest 30-year mortgage (can't beat that). What I am asking my closest friends and family is to help me build up enough money for the deposit for this new home in lieu of housewarming gifts. I am not asking for any set amount so anything that your heart can give is appreciated. If you are unable to give anything at the time I understand that as well and appreciate your support. Hopefully I and my family will be in our new permanent home by May 2014.
Here is my story for those who may not know - I hope you enjoy the read:
Meet Rolanda! She and her family are the newly qualified first-time homebuyers of a Habit for Humanity home in Portsmouth, Virginia!
Rolanda was born and raised in Virginia Beach but moved to Portsmouth when she started working for the Naval Medical Center in 2005. In 2011 she received her Bachelor's of Science in Human Services from Old Dominion University in dreams of becoming a Social Worker. However, the education required for a Master's in Social Work was very intense and would not allow Rolanda to work full time. Deciding that income was more important, she then went on to receive her Master's in Public Administration from Troy University in 2012 while continuing to work full time. As a result, Rolanda is currently an intern and civilian human resource specialist for the Navy, responsible for posting job announcements and reviewing resumes for federal employment. She loves the position thoroughly as it provides her with different challenges on a daily basis. She recently had to review a 20-page resume! Her job is one of those that absolutely must be done with great attention to detail.
Rolanda first heard about the Habitat for Humanity home ownership program via word of mouth. Initially, she didn't apply because she believed there were others in the Hampton Roads area in greater need of a home. The tipping point came when a friend applied for a chance to purchase a Habitat home, was selected, and persuaded Rolanda to submit an application the next year. The first time she applied she was not selected; however, she reapplied, interviewed, and ultimately learned that she'd been selected. She was then matched with an available home in Portsmouth that will undergo an "extreme" home-makeover, starting in February. To say Rolanda is elated would be an understatement.
Rolanda is a single Mom and the primary caregiver of her three children.
Khyell is 14 years old. He loves basketball, being active, and socializing. His favorite subjects in school are math and science, and he is excited to be a freshman at IC Norcom High School.
Harmani, the only girl, is 10 years old. She loves the Disney Channel and basketball (just like big brother). Mani loves being a director and making videos on her camcorder. She is "quiet" and reserved and loves spending time with her family. Mom calls Mani her "most laid back child."
Micah, the baby of the crew, is 2 years old. He is active, witty, and extremely funny. He even loves music and sings and dances at such a young age! In fact, Mom believes that Micah shows such an interest in music that she wouldn't be surprised if music becomes his calling in life (He's usually the star of Mani's "movies").
Anticipating the federal furlough and a 20 percent loss in pay starting in July 2013, Rolanda made a tough decision. She moved in with family so that she could continue to pay for necessities and ensure eligibility for her Habitat home purchase this winter. Although she now shares a bedroom with Harmani, she is excited at the thought of reducing debt and increasing her savings before she moves into her new home.
Her new home will be a 4 BR/2 BA home in the Cavalier Manor neighborhood of Portsmouth, and she is ecstatic about having a place all her own. It's a one-story detached yellow home, with a deck, and a large backyard for her kids to play in. She plans on painting the front door a rich burgundy color, planting a garden, and getting a swing set for the kids.
When asked what her goals are, she simply says, "Stability. There have been too many addresses and too many moves. We just want to have a home of our own."
Hers is a story of persistence. and a dream of family stability, all made possible through her determination and help from Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads.
Here is my story for those who may not know - I hope you enjoy the read:
Meet Rolanda! She and her family are the newly qualified first-time homebuyers of a Habit for Humanity home in Portsmouth, Virginia!
Rolanda was born and raised in Virginia Beach but moved to Portsmouth when she started working for the Naval Medical Center in 2005. In 2011 she received her Bachelor's of Science in Human Services from Old Dominion University in dreams of becoming a Social Worker. However, the education required for a Master's in Social Work was very intense and would not allow Rolanda to work full time. Deciding that income was more important, she then went on to receive her Master's in Public Administration from Troy University in 2012 while continuing to work full time. As a result, Rolanda is currently an intern and civilian human resource specialist for the Navy, responsible for posting job announcements and reviewing resumes for federal employment. She loves the position thoroughly as it provides her with different challenges on a daily basis. She recently had to review a 20-page resume! Her job is one of those that absolutely must be done with great attention to detail.
Rolanda first heard about the Habitat for Humanity home ownership program via word of mouth. Initially, she didn't apply because she believed there were others in the Hampton Roads area in greater need of a home. The tipping point came when a friend applied for a chance to purchase a Habitat home, was selected, and persuaded Rolanda to submit an application the next year. The first time she applied she was not selected; however, she reapplied, interviewed, and ultimately learned that she'd been selected. She was then matched with an available home in Portsmouth that will undergo an "extreme" home-makeover, starting in February. To say Rolanda is elated would be an understatement.
Rolanda is a single Mom and the primary caregiver of her three children.
Khyell is 14 years old. He loves basketball, being active, and socializing. His favorite subjects in school are math and science, and he is excited to be a freshman at IC Norcom High School.
Harmani, the only girl, is 10 years old. She loves the Disney Channel and basketball (just like big brother). Mani loves being a director and making videos on her camcorder. She is "quiet" and reserved and loves spending time with her family. Mom calls Mani her "most laid back child."
Micah, the baby of the crew, is 2 years old. He is active, witty, and extremely funny. He even loves music and sings and dances at such a young age! In fact, Mom believes that Micah shows such an interest in music that she wouldn't be surprised if music becomes his calling in life (He's usually the star of Mani's "movies").
Anticipating the federal furlough and a 20 percent loss in pay starting in July 2013, Rolanda made a tough decision. She moved in with family so that she could continue to pay for necessities and ensure eligibility for her Habitat home purchase this winter. Although she now shares a bedroom with Harmani, she is excited at the thought of reducing debt and increasing her savings before she moves into her new home.
Her new home will be a 4 BR/2 BA home in the Cavalier Manor neighborhood of Portsmouth, and she is ecstatic about having a place all her own. It's a one-story detached yellow home, with a deck, and a large backyard for her kids to play in. She plans on painting the front door a rich burgundy color, planting a garden, and getting a swing set for the kids.
When asked what her goals are, she simply says, "Stability. There have been too many addresses and too many moves. We just want to have a home of our own."
Hers is a story of persistence. and a dream of family stability, all made possible through her determination and help from Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads.
Organizer
Rolanda Morgan
Organizer
Portsmouth, VA
