The Volunteering Page of Marilea Ford

Reanna has spent most of her life moving from place to place. That’s not what she wants for her daughters – she wants to make sure they have the stability that comes from having a home to call their own. Reanna originally is from Tennessee but relocated to Canton several years ago to remove her family from a bad situation. Since moving, she and her daughters have lived in government housing. Reanna’s biggest concern with the family’s current rental is safety, as there is a considerable amount of crime and drug use in the surrounding neighborhood. She recently had to replace the driveshaft on her car after it was cut, and the screen door of the family’s townhouse was damaged after an attempted break-in. Because of this, Reanna doesn’t like letting her daughters go outside to play. In addition to the safety concerns, the rental also has plumbing problems that have led to flooding, and the heating and cooling system is inconsistent. Reanna learned about the opportunity to purchase her own affordable home through a friend and was excited about having the chance to give her daughters a safe place to call home.

Since joining the Habitat partnership, Reanna has taken classes that will prepare her for the responsibility of being a first-time homeowner. She also has worked alongside the construction staff as they restore the century home she and her daughters soon will move into in Canton. When Reanna thinks about her family’s life in their Habitat home, she pictures her daughters playing outside in the large backyard and having cookouts. Because the neighborhood will be safer than where they live now, Reanna knows that more of her family will feel comfortable coming to visit. Her daughters already are talking about which room each of them is going to have and all the fun they will have in their new home. Reanna hopes that, by watching her work hard, her girls feel empowered to try new things and take steps to better themselves as they grow up. She’s grateful to finally have the chance to provide a stable home for her family. “It’s just amazing, and I feel truly blessed,” Reanna said.