TAMPA, Fla. — Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties dedicated a home to a woman in St. Petersburg.
Katasha Bryant is a single mom of five adult children and has eight grandchildren. This Christmas, she will be in her new home on Russell Street.
"Excited, ecstatic, it’s just wonderful," Bryant said.
For the very first time, Bryant stepped inside her new home on Thursday morning during the dedication ceremony. It’s been a year and two months since Bryant was first accepted into Habitat for Humanity’s program.
It requires new homeowners to do a lot of work, including homeownership classes and sweat equity hours. Bryant completed 370 sweat equity hours building homes, including her own.
"It’s a lot, but see what you get at the end… a home!" Bryant said.
The CEO of Habitat for Humanity, Mike Sutton explained, that the organization does this for new homeowners like Bryant so they’re prepared to own a house. Habitat for Humanity makes sure cost is not a burden.
"She gets to purchase this home behind us with a zero-interest mortgage with the habitat program," Sutton added.
Bryant said that is one of her favorite parts because she is able to save money. She is excited to be in her home this Christmas.
"Best gift ever and my birthday is on Dec. 20, so two presents in one," Bryant said.
This is the 80th home of the year Habitat for Humanity has built in Pinellas and Pasco counties. Next week, they plan to break ground on a new townhome community that will house 54 units in Clearwater.