HabitatForHumanityOfGreenvilleCountry

LaRonda Harris Home Dedication

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County will dedicate a completed home at 317 Gray Street in Travelers Rest on Sunday afternoon, August 11 2010 at 4:00 p.m.  The new home is for LaRonda Harris and her family.

Harris is a single mom and has always had a desire to provide a strong, safe and secure environment for her daughter and she’s grateful Habitat helped her realized that dream.  “This program is very encouraging,” said Harris. Our society sometimes teaches us that success is measured by obtaining the American Dream, getting married, having 2.5 kids, and a home with a white picket fence. But what about the dream for single parents? Habitat understands that those dreams are worth having too,” she said.

She was always encouraged by her parents to do what she could to be a homeowner, but was overwhelmed with the idea of how to make that a reality.  So one day, she took the advice of a family friend and contacted Habitat.  Harris was familiar with Habitat and the expectations of the program because this family friend had gone through the intensive program. Not sure if she could commit to all the requirements, she finally realized that in order to have something meaningful, you have to work for it.  “It wasn’t easy, but in the end, I respect myself more for sticking with it and living up to my end of the bargain,” she said.  “I was able to take advantage of an opportunity that Habitat gave me, but by no means was it a handout.”

“LaRonda’s understanding of what Habitat is all about is really what made this project particularly enjoyable for us,” said Monroe Free, President of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.  “She chose to make a better life for herself and her daughter and put the work in to make that happen.  That kind of devotion is contagious and inspires us all to work harder each and every day,” said Free.

This Habitat for Humanity home is being built and funded in-part by Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Earle Street Baptist Church, Prince of Peace Catholic Church and St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church.  Additional resources come from the Greenville Affiliate, Greenville County Redevelopment Authority and individual sponsors throughout Greenville County.