SHALLOTTE, NC (WECT) - Every time Habitat for Humanity makes it possible for a family to have a home, it feels like a miracle.
"I still can't believe it, it's hard to believe," said single mother of three, Sarah Simmons.
Simmons pinches herself every time she watches her new home come to life in a neighborhood in Shallotte, Brunswick County.
"I've come out here before it was even cleared, there were trees everywhere and then little by little the land cleared and then it all happened so quick, " remembers Simmons.
She applied months ago to get a home through Habitat for Humanity. It takes a very careful selection process to find someone as qualified and deserving of a house as Simmons and her children are.
"For a while I was like, man, it's not going to happen, it's not going to happen, and all of a sudden, wow it happened and we are on our way," said Simmons.
There's a misconception that the homes are free. They aren't, says Habitat mentor Marlene Jackson.
"A lot of sweat equity and a mortgage comes with each one," explained Jackson.
It's Jackson's job to be with Simmons every step of the way and provide guidance for her future as a homeowner.
"We actually take them through legal classes, maintenance classes, banking classes, budget and nutrition," said Jackson.
Simmons says one of the best parts is that the whole family is present through the entire process so it really gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership.
"I think that the families that have a decent and affordable house to live in can study easier for school, they don't have to worry about being cold in the winter or being warm and having mold and mildew in the summer," Jackson agreed.
An army of volunteers, sponsors, planners and organizers are happy to help, and on average a house is ready in four months.
"It's a good crew to work with and I really enjoy it. I look forward to it. I'm golfed out so I'm ready to build," said a volunteer.
They are building more than a house-it's a place that will become a home for a very deserving family.
To visit Habitat for Humanity online, click here or call (910) 454-0007 for more information.
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Sarah Simmons
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