July / August 2018
Meet the Pratts
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Will Sunter President Elias Mahshie Vice-President Stacy Jones Secretary Tommy Williamson Treasurer Jeff Cardillo Past President VOTING DIRECTORS James Coalwell Jay Gordon Greg Griner Paul Lioon Roger Miller Steven Vito Pastor Rich Webb Brittney Williamson CEO Mike Mansfield
Andrew and Brionna have two young boys: Grayson age five and Ethan age three. Andrew works full-time at PGT and Brionna is a stay at home mom who is also taking online college courses to become a Medical Assistant. Rental rates in Charlotte County are so high it makes it difficult for young families to make ends meet. Almost every day is a struggle financially. Andrew’s job requires shift work, so there are many days he has to leave when the boys are getting ready for bed. Often when Andrew would get ready to leave, the boys would ask, “Where are you going Daddy? Why do you have to leave?” Andrew’s response, “I am going to work boys; one day I am going to buy you a house.” Learning about Charlotte County Habitat’s homeownership program from a co-worker, Andrew and Brionna took the first step and met with Debbie, Family Services Coordinator. It didn’t take long for the Pratts to gather all the necessary documentation to submit a homeowner application. When their application was approved, they received the call they had been waiting for. Overwhelmed with joy, Brionna exclaimed, “We are going to be homeowners!” Andrew and Brionna started attending their homeowner education classes and working on their 300 hours of sweat equity. Andrew shared, “My wife and I were determined! We worked every day we could, stayed as long as we were allowed and made every moment count. Before we knew it, we had completed our 300 hours of sweat equity in just three months. It can be done!” The Pratts were one of thirty families who achieved the dream of homeownership during our 2017/2018 fiscal year. Mike Mansfield, Chief Executive Officer, tells Habitat families, “The only thing we give you is an opportunity.” Andrew and Brionna took that opportunity, worked diligently to complete Habitat’s homeownership program requirements and now have a home of their own. They say, “The Pay it Forward system Habitat has adopted is truly inspirational and such a blessing to the community.” Andrew kept his promise to his boys. They now have a house and a nice big backyard that they can call their own. A home where they can grow up, thrive and have a secure future. Congratulations to the Pratt family and the other 29 families who, through Habitat’s homeownership program, now have homes www.charlottecountyhfh.org of their very own.