Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on two new homes in Kissimmee
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County are taking on a new challenge by building two homes at the same time as part of their Builder Blitz 2025.
In a symbolic groundbreaking with gold shovels and hard hats, officials, builders and the future homeowners shoveled dirt in front of the concrete pads already poured ahead of the Florida freeze in order to make a fast deadline.
Each woman receiving a home has taken required financial classes, lowered debt and improved credit scores to be able to take on a home mortgage.
Lasting impact for new homeowners
What they're saying:
"Thanks to PCL Construction and Park Square Homes, the two pads you see behind us in just a week or so are going to be brand-new homes for two amazing families," said Catherine Steck McManus, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County.
Tannique Muir is already imagining what her future home will look like.
"I can’t wait until I get the keys," Muir said. "I want a tree house for my son. A play area. The home – I want to be a part of the community. I don’t want to be a passive homeowner. I want my positivity to radiate."
She has already met her new next-door neighbor – fellow future Habitat for Humanity homeowner Quarlisa Anthony.
"The weight is going to be lifted," Anthony said. "It’s been heavy."
"They both work full-time amazing jobs," McManus said. "One of them, Tannique, is an army reservist, and Quarlisa is a detention officer at a local jail. They both had their own struggles in the past. Quarlisa lost her husband several years ago. And Tannique her elderly mother lives with her and her young son. They’ve been working very hard to make sure they are taking care of their families."
"It’s a dream come true," Muir said. "A dream I’ve had since I was a child. Owning my own home. My parents didn’t own a home, so it’s really big, not just for me but for my family."
"If it wasn’t for them helping me on this journey I don’t know if I would have made it," Anthony said. "I’m happy."
What's next:
In less than two weeks, the two homes will be complete, and the keys will be handed over.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County.