HabiJax said it is the 175th home they’ve built on Jacksonville’s Eastside.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Habitat for Humanity in Jacksonville, also known as HabiJax, has teamed up with CSX to build affordable homes for military families; it’s a collaborative effort known as ‘Heroes Build.’
The two organizations plan on building 43 homes in the city, but five of the houses are meant for military households. A Jacksonville single mother of two, who is also a airwoman, will move into her newly built home on Tuesday along with her daughters. She will be the first out of the five.
Mia Evans had plans to build a home, but she had to set them aside when she left for deployment. When Evans returned to the First Coast, building a house was not feasible for her because of the market. HabiJax then made it possible.
“I don’t think I’ve said the words, ‘I am a homeowner,'” Evans said. “I am a homeowner.”
Evans smiled and expressed herself as if she was floating on cloud nine. The process to becoming a homeowner, was not easy, she said.
According to HabiJax, one-in-four military families in Florida are financially burdened by the cost of housing. To earn a home, Evans had to work hard for it. She told First Coast News that it was more than physical labor, it was also mental preparation.
Chris Folds with HabiJax said chosen applicants have to put in sweat equity.
“[Sweat Equity] is volunteer work on their house and the house of their peers,” Folds said. “In the program, they go through a pretty robust financial education curriculum.”
To Evans, providing a home for her daughters is proof hard work pays off.
“I need viewers to know that if it’s in your heart and if it’s in your drive of passion, trust the process,” Evans told First Coast News.
Evans said as soon as she is completely moved in, she will take a deep breathe of relief and spend time with her children.
