3 Pompano Beach families receive new Habitat homes

POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – A South Florida community came together to surprise three families with the ultimate gift — a home for the holidays — and it was all thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Christmas came early for these three Pompano Beach households. “This is a good way to start the holidays,” said new homeowner Sharron Williams during a ceremony on Saturday.

“Just last month, we’ve actually hit 400 homes that we have built here in Broward County,” said Bill Feinberg, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity of Broward County.

The homes’ front doors were wrapped in festive shades of red and green to resemble Christmas presents, as the three families received their house keys.

“Oh, I’m overwhelmed with joy,” said new homeowner Pamela Simmons. “Truly thankful and grateful.”

Habitat for Humanity of Broward has built 100 homes in Pompano Beach alone.

City Furniture helped turn these houses into homes. The retailer donated mattresses for every room.

“We’re delighted to do that,” said City Furniture spokesperson Keith Koenig. “It’s Christmastime. The holiday season is important for family and friends, and a good night’s sleep makes a big difference in everybody’s life.”

The homes were built with the help of volunteers and sponsors like the Stiles Corporation, as well as 7News.

“You get to know the families and get to know the staff of Habitat, and see how we all work together and see how it all came together,” said Stiles Corporation CEO Terry Stiles. “To be here today is really special.”

“Channel 7 has been a proud sponsor of Habitat,” said WSVN General Manager Bob Leider. “In fact, this home represents our 18th home in Broward County.”

Leider was referring to Sharron Williams’ new residence. She told 7News that this is more than just a home; it’s a vehicle to help her realize her dream of becoming a psychologist.

“I did get a phone call, and they said, ‘Sharron, this is Habitat calling, and we just wanted to congratulate you, that you were accepted for the program,” said Williams. “At that moment, of course, I just dropped down on my knees and cried and said, ‘Thank you.’”

This is the first home that Williams and her daughter and Keiarah have ever owned. They said having a place to call their own this holiday season is a gift they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

“The things I got over the years, they were pretty cool, but this is like really cool,” said Keiarah.

“It’s Christmastime, so this is like the best blessing that anyone could ever ask for myself and my daughter,” said Williams.

If you’d like to contact Habitat for Humanity, check out the links below:

Habitat for Humanity in Miami-Dade
(305) 634-3628
www.miamihabitat.org

Habitat for Humanity in Broward
(954) 396-3030
www.habitatbroward.org