SWFL woman becomes first-time homeowner thanks to Habitat for Humanity

Reporter: Michelle Alvarez Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:

Habitat for Humanity has helped a mother of six to officially become a first-time homeowner, and WINK News was there when they raised the walls for her new home.

Janeisha Owens, a mother of six, works full-time and couldn’t afford to rent or own property in Southwest Florida until she found Habitat for Humanity.

In Feb., WINK News saw the moment the walls were raised to her new home.

Habitat for Humanity building the home. CREDIT: WINK News

This week, she officially closed on the home and gathered with her friends, family, and volunteers for her home dedication.

“I feel special. I feel like there’s strength in it,” Owens said. “And it makes me feel like I can do a lot of things if I put my mind to it.”

Her family went from living in a home to sharing a room at a friend’s house to living in a hotel.

Janeisha Owens taking in the moment of being a homeowner. CREDIT: WINK News

But, one thing Owens told WINK News was her life changed once she found Habitat for Humanity.

“It was like all seven of us like piled into the room. So, it was hard. But I still went to work. Many didn’t even know I was struggling because I didn’t tell my story. Many didn’t know that I was struggling because I still went with a smile and treated everybody, you know, with kindness, so it paid off,” Owens said.

Owens put in the 300 ‘sweat equity’ hours required to move into the new home, a moment she waited a long time for.

“I feel very accomplished. And I want to set the tone for my children, to let them know that anything they set their mind and heart to do, they can do it,” Owens said.

Ledonjanae McCutcheon is Owen’s oldest and is studying to be a nurse.

“It is one less worry with the living situation that we were in before. It was kind of hard for me to imagine going to school and actually finishing school. It was really hard. And now that we do have a home, it’s way easier. And I know I’m not going to complete it,” McCutcheon said.

Habitat for Humanity. CREDIT: WINK News

And when WINK News asked McCutcheon what she was most excited about, she didn’t have to look too far into the future.

“Thanksgiving is coming up. I am ready. I am definitely ready,” McCutcheon said.

Owens is still in the process of moving in but said she’s thankful for her new home.

Click here for more information about Habitat for Humanity.

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