Andreanna
Andreanna and her 3-year old son, Major, share a one-bedroom apartment in Anderson. As her son gets older, the urgency for his own bedroom increases. In addition to them being cramped in a single bedroom, Major does not have a yard to run and play in. Andreanna is especially concerned for their safety. Their privacy feels compromised by loitering strangers. Moldy walls and nearby knife-fights are the sort of thing that had left this mother frantic for a solution. She found that solution through Habitat.
Future Habitat homeowner Andreanna has been in the homeownership program since only last year. She first learned of Habitat while volunteering with her employer on a construction site. She heard the words that Habitat’s Development Director, Kylie, spoke of the organization and was reminded of her own living situation.
The homeownership program can be a long process but Andreanna has moved through it quickly and with grace. Before the foundation of her home has even been laid, she’s completed all 300 of her required sweat equity hours. “I will make myself available as much as possible to get my hours,” she said. She is earnest in proving her determination and dedication to the program.
Andreanna has always been ambitious. She was in the dual-enrollment program in high school and worked as a CNA at 16-years-old. She learned from her mother about responsibility at a very young age. Habitat homeowners often share similar experiences in that they can do all the right things and yet never catch up, let alone get ahead. For Andreanna, a partnership with Habitat will mean that she can afford a decent home, save for Major’s future, and enjoy the things that matter most.
Growing up, Andreanna loved the outdoors. Her childhood was filled with barbecues, jumping on trampolines, and riding four-wheelers and bicycles. Her Habitat home sits on a large, grassy lot on a safe and secluded street where she can already picture Major enjoying some of the same activities. She looks forward to the basic pleasures that her home will offer: private parking in her driveway, receiving mail in her own mailbox, her bright yellow front door, and enough space for both her and Major.
We asked Andreanna to share a few words of wisdom for future Habitat partners who are just beginning their journey. “Your hours will add up and before you know it, you’ll be done and you’ll learn so much and you’ll meet so many great people,” she said. “You’ll just be happy like I am on the inside.”
To those who support Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County, Andreanna says, “Thank you for donating, thank you for shopping, thank you for volunteering, thank you for everything that you do.” She says long after she’s moved into her new home, she will still be a familiar face in the Habitat family. She sees her experience as an opportunity to help others in the program. “It’s not all about me,” she said. “I can go volunteer. I can go help somebody else.”
Watch Andreanna’s video interview here. If you’ve been inspired to help Andreanna and future Habitat homeowners like her, we encourage you to visit our give page. Every dollar is recognized and appreciated as it impacts the lives of those whose stories we tell.
This home build is made possible by funding from the estate of William and Norma Hise, with property sponsored by Publix.