“I can’t believe the feeling of real happiness I feel,” said Lavione, “knowing that my son has a safe and secure home to come home to every day. I have already seen a big difference in him in school. We no longer have to move from family member to family member. Jireh is the pride of my life. He is so thrilled to have his own bedroom and to sleep in his very own bed! I had been on so many different waiting lists to try and find an affordable rent near in a decent neighborhood with good schools. One day, I Googled first-time home buyers, and ‘Habitat for Humanity’ popped up. I filled out the application, and two years later I received a letter from Habitat for Humanity asking me to come to an applicant meeting.

I applied with lots of other folks and we were chosen. Having a new home is a start of a better future for my son and me. This home is going to help us build a better relationship and have the freedom to be a family. I am so grateful to all who made our dream come true. Thank you, thank you!”

A house donated to Middlesex Habitat for Humanity by State of CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), rehabbed and dedicated Winter 2010 for a single mom, Lavione, and Jireh, her 7-year-old son.