Single mother attains homeownership through Habitat for Humanity
by Shawn Nowlin
Life has taught Keisha Jones, 36, that contrary to what some believe, America is full of decent, compassionate people who pride themselves on making the world a better place. As a result of hundreds of individuals from all over the country working together, Jones, a single mother, can now call herself a homeowner.
The life-changing moment happened on Dec. 9. Those who know the William Fleming High graduate well say this couldn’t have happened to a better person.
It was Habitat for Humanity Construction Supervisor Trevor Lofton who handed Keisha the keys to the new home, as her daughter gleefully looked on. Once the benediction and presentation of the Holy Bible concluded, Ava, 8, cut a ribbon stretched across the entrance to the porch deck.
Keisha’s grandmother Phyllis Jones was among the roughly 100 present to experience the celebratory occasion.
The new house in the 100 block of Bullitt Avenue Southeast exceeded every Jones’ expectation: a front porch, three bedrooms, two baths, air conditioning and bright orange doors, among other things.
“The people I’ve met on this journey have been loving, caring and helpful along the whole process,” said Jones addressing the crowd. “There were times when I was scared to climb a ladder, and go into small spaces. Everything I experienced was out of my comfort zone, and the lovely people from Habitat were there to catch me and help me persevere.”
Jones’ new home began last summer as a large pile of lumber in a parking lot on the campus of Roanoke College. RC students then built the home in sections that were eventually transported to the job site. Ultimately, more than 450 first-year Maroons contributed a few hours of labor to the passion project.
Jones works two jobs to provide for her and Ava. Her Habitat for Humanity application was rejected in 2009. Even at her lowest point, she never doubted that one day her fortunes would turn around. When she applied 12 years later, she was accepted.
“Habitat — it’s been a wonderful experience throughout the years,” she said. “I’ve grown, cried, laughed, learned how to save money while budgeting my expenses.”
Jones’ new home was a 15-month-long process. During the program, she had to endure considerable training and hundreds of labor hours. In addition to learning how to wield a hammer, Jones also took financial literacy classes.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976. Since then, the non-profit organization has been selling and building homes for low-income buyers.
Partnering with businesses such as Sheet Metal Co., John T. Morgan Roofing, One Earth Landscapes Inc. and Lynchburg Crane over the years has allowed the organization to house nearly 1,200 Roanoke Valley residents to date.
After the morning tour, the movers and moving trucks arrived with Jones’ furnishings in the afternoon. The first thing that Keisha and her daughter did when they were alone was reflect on their journey together.
“It wasn’t easy, but we persevered and here we are today,” she said. “Showing my daughter that obstacles will come in life, but you can overcome them with faith and hard work is one of the best feelings in the world.”
