Flagler County, FL – Thanks to a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and Flagler County State Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP), a Palm Coast woman now has a new home for herself and her children.
“Habitat is very active in this area, and it is wonderful to help with down payment assistance,” says SHIP Administrator, Ralston Reodica. “This is one of the ways SHIP can support home ownership for very-low to moderate-income families.”
On Tuesday, Felicia Warren was presented with the keys to her new home that she had been working on with Habitat and SHIP since 2014. Warren has 7 children, including toddler twins.
“Felicia made this a reality for her and her family,” says Flagler Habitat for Humanity executive director, Lindsay Elliott. “She continued to persevere with her hard work and dedication to provide more for her family.”
Warren’s friend, Annette Lumpkins, 20, who also went through Habitat applications, gave Warren the keys to her house.
“I went through it swiftly,” says Lumpkins. “I’ve been in my home for 2 years. It’s been a journey for Felicia.”
At the presentation of Warren’s keys, Rev. Elijah Emanuel, known for his involvement in Bunnell and the Carver Center, delivered an opening prayer. A golden hammer and a housewarming gift was given to Warren and her family by the Habitat Construction Manager, John Knox. Warren’s children were each given a quilt by Memory Makers Quilt Guild’s Loretta Sylvester. The home was then blessed by the Head Basketball Coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School, Gary McDaniel.
“Me and my kids will be forever grateful,” says Warren. Then, acknowledging her friend Lumpkins, Warren also said, “We’re not friends, we’re family.”
Photos courtesy of Flagler County.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
