Spring, the season associated with rebirth and rejuvenation, has become the time of new beginnings for two Eatonton families as former NFL Man of the Year Warrick Dunn, in partnership with Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, Aaron’s, and Ryan Jumonville, handed over the keys Feb. 28, to a pair of newly built, fully furnished houses to two single-parent families.
Single moms Carla and Cerria both became first-time homeowners, and each received a surprise $5,000 down-payment assistance check from Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC), as well as $10,000 worth of furnishings, appliances, and electronics from Aaron’s, plus $45,000 in smaller appliances, furniture and decorative accents from Jumonville, Dunn’s high school teammate and a major WDC donor.
Longtime Habitat partner Harper Custom Construction built the two new homes. These were the 211th and 212th home celebrations prompted nationwide by WDC as the former NFL star’s non-profit identifies single parents across the country and helps them achieve their goal of first-time homeownership as part of its “Homes for the Holidays” program.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid and City Counselor Janie Reid were present at the event, with broadcast stations Atlanta News First (CBS); WMAZ (CBS), Macon; WGXA (FOX 24), Macon; and WMGT (41NBC), providing TV coverage.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Carla continues to serve others as a teacher’s assistant for Putnam County schools. Her 16-year-old daughter Karmyn attends Putnam County High School and is a competitive gymnast and track athlete. Before moving into the new house, they lived in an apartment building.
“I can't thank them enough,” Carla said. “My daughter does a lot of gymnastics. Having a yard will give her a lot of room to move. And I'm looking forward to cooking and baking. Probably tonight!”
Also a teacher’s assistant for Putnam County schools, Cerria is a single mother to two sons and a daughter ages 5-15. In search of a better future for her family, she also attends college and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
“Having our own home is everything. It’s a dream come true,” Cerria said. “I've been praying over it. I've been working hard. I've been speaking it into existence praying. We've been in an apartment for almost 16 years. Not enough space, but we made it.”
Her two sons, Jorden and Jeremiah, who are Georgia fans, said their favorite parts about the new house were their rooms with UGA décor and an opportunity to have friends over and play in the backyard.
Cerria’s daughter, Journi, said she loved her room, too.
“I wanted to thank everyone who helped make our dream come true,” Cerria said. When asked what she would wish for other single parents, she said, “Never give up. Pray, and work hard.”
“This is unique today. Warrick Dunn chose us. It's a wonderful gift to very deserving families,” Putnam County Habitat for Humanity Board Chair and President Bucky Kahl said.
Kahl explained Habitat homeowners get their homes through a 25-to-30-year, interest-free mortgage, which includes insurance and taxes. To become a homeowner through Habitat, he said applicants have to meet certain criteria: they have to need a home, be Putnam County residents for at least two years, meet financial criteria, and do 250 hours of volunteer work called “sweat equity.” They can volunteer by building their own home, working at Habitat’s ReStore or helping with Habitat’s classes.
“Today means a lot,” Dunn said. “The weather is amazing. It amplifies the fact that Carla and Karmyn smiled when they pulled up. Being able to experience this life-changing moment with them, the joy that they showed and the appreciation … I think that says it all.”
Explaining his motivation to help families find new starts, Dunn said his mother, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty.
“She was unable to realize her dream and I wanted to support other individuals who have gone through what my mom did,” he said. “She would probably be happy that we are able to help other families achieve that dream.
“A lot of this couldn't be done without our partners,” he continued. “They do a great job of caring about people and helping us create those life-changing moments.”
Dunn stressed his organization will help single fathers as well and encouraged them to sign up for his program.
“Pride gets in the way of creating stability for yourself, for your kids, and your family. We all need a little assistance sometimes,” he said.
Dunn also explained that WDC, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in November, has other programs, too, such as the financial literacy program Count on Your Future, and Sculpt, a healthy nutrition initiative. He encouraged anyone who would like to know more about WDC to visit online at wdc.org.
“It's not about the dollar amount for us, it’s about creating memories, celebrating home ownership,” said Barbara Bernard, Aaron’s Southeast divisional vice president.“We've been doing this for over 20 years with Warrick Dunn, one of our longest-standing (collaborations).”
WDC Executive Director Whitney Jackson shared that while Aaron’s provided the big furniture, all smaller appliances, furniture and decorative accents came from Jumonville.
“Each home project costs us about $45,000 to upfit. We buy everything down to the toothbrush,” she said. “Each home celebration is a surprise to the families. We secretly get their preferences and then we customize each home for the family. They have no idea that this is happening.”