West Orange Habitat dedicates 3 houses

Three single mothers are rejoicing after receiving the keys to the front door of their new homes in Winter Garden. West Orange Habitat for Humanity dedicated the houses for the families of Shandel Deleon, Shannon Noggle and Michelle Krotowski Thursday, June 27.

The women cut the red ribbon draped across their front porches and then accepted their key to begin their new lives as homeowners. In addition to the houses, the families received a tool kit, plant kids and either a handmade swing or set of Adirondack chairs.

The closings for all three homes are scheduled for late July.

Numerous guest speakers addressed the crowd, including West Orange Habitat director Marilyn Hattaway, Winter Garden City Commissioner Chloe Johnson and Pastor Wes Beacham. Representatives from two of the whole-house sponsors attended as well: Pilars Martini & Loft and Empire Finish Systems. The third sponsor was Publix Super Markets Charities.

Each family has invested more than 200 sweat-equity hours toward the homes and has completed financial literacy classes, saved for a down payment and agreed to repay a zero-interest mortgage.

Noggle is the mother of two sons, and they have been living with her parents while waiting for their house to be built.

Krotowski has a daughter who just graduated from high school and a son who is a college student. She moved to Florida about two years ago in search of a better living situation for her family.

Deleon is excited to begin this new stage of life with her young daughter. Deleon has written a book, titled “So She Wrote a Book.”