Local Single Mom Becomes First-Time Homeowner
Aaron’s, Warrick Dunn Charities and Habitat for Humanity Make it Happen
A resilient single mother became a first-time homeowner through Habitat for Humanity of Walton County when she walked through the door for the first time in January. Nancy was shocked to find each room filled with furniture, appliances and electronics from Aaron’s, thanks to the business’ donation valued at approximately $10,000. Aaron’s offers lease-purchase agreements so that customers who are budget- or credit-constrained can own home essentials like refrigerators, washers and dryers, beds and laptops.
The home furnishings were donated through a partnership between Aaron’s and Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. (WDC), a national nonprofit organization which helps single-parent families achieve homeownership founded in 2002 by retired NFL running back Warrick Dunn. In addition to Aaron’s, all of the finishing touches, groceries and down-payment assistance were made possible from Ryan “Jume” Jumonville. The new, fully furnished home was made available through the former NFL star’s Homes for the Holidays program. This was the 177th home celebration nationwide thanks to Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc.
While Nancy was previously dependent on her husband to provide for her and her children, her situation changed drastically. After finding the strength to leave him in order to protect her children, she began working at a local financial institution to support her family and has been rapidly building her credit and savings toward the goal of home ownership.
Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. To help others like Nancy, community Habitat ReStores, independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations, accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price.The donation centers sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home goods, building materials and more. The profits from the sales go directly to the funding of the local Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County ReStore Groundbreaking
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County ReStore will have an official groundbreaking ceremony for its new location on Wed, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. at 2260 U.S. Hwy. 98 West on the northside of the highway between Publix and Veteran’s Parkway. Following the groundbreaking, guests are invited to a celebratory brunch at Grayton Beer Brewpub at 10 a.m.
The new ReStore building will be 18,500 sq. ft., providing much-needed room for growth including consolidating the donation center, warehouse and retail departments, administration and construction center all in one location. Donations that currently sit out in the elements will be housed in the 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse, therefore reducing loss, and providing the opportunity to expand their inventory and greatly increase Habitat for Humanity’s ability to resell, reuse and recycle donations.
The revenue from the ReStore funds Habitat for Humanity’s operational and administrative costs, so 100 percent of every dollar donated to Habitat for Humanity of Walton County goes directly to building houses. No donation is ever used for administrative costs.
“Simply put, more space, more donations, more customers, more revenue, more profit, more houses built and more families with their dream of a home fulfilled,” said J.L. Franklin, project coordinator for the new ReStore.
To attend the Groundbreaking Celebration, please RSVP to JL@waltoncountyhabitat.org. Complimentary transportation to and from the groundbreaking site will be provided by GoVetted. Attendees should park on the west side of the South Walton Publix’s parking lot.
