Friends of USF come together to make homeownership dreams come true for a local family

St. Petersburg, FL— Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties will be celebrating with
Martha Dennis and her family in St. Petersburg on Friday, June 4 th , 2021. Martha will purchase her home
with a zero-interest loan through the Habitat homeownership program.
Dennis Family Home Dedication
Friday, June 4th at 9am
1012 Newton Avenue South, St. Petersburg
Habitat homeownership partner families must demonstrate a need for adequate shelter, the ability to
pay back a zero-interest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat to invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity”
hours. Soon-to-be homeowners also complete 20 homeowner education classes, from budgeting to how
to be a good neighbor, to prepare for their new chapter as homeowners.
Martha, a mother of three, works hard as an administrative assistant for GrandVilla Senior Living. “We
are a very close family, and we do everything together. I am a hard-working single mother that has
committed to keeping my children on track. The road has not been easy, but I never gave up.”
Her daughter, Ericka, graduated from the University of South Florida in December of 2020 with her
Bachelors of Science in Health Administration. She is now on the road to becoming an RN through
Rasmussen College. Her older son, Jeremie, is looking forward to joining the army, while her younger
son, MaSirvion, started high school this year. Both boys enjoy football and basketball. “We love to have
game nights as a family, while doing arts and crafts and watching football games together.”
The family has lived in the same small house for over nine years, which has become a struggle as the
children grew bigger. “I currently share a room with my daughter. We no longer have the space we
need. Along with this, the roof leaks when it rains, and we have some mildew and mold issues.”
When Martha was accepted into the Habitat Homeownership Program, she said, “I was so excited I
cried. I realized that my hard work was finally paying off to give my kids somewhere to call home. They
will always have a place to come back to if they need it. I am so thankful for this opportunity.”

“With this home, I imagine my life being complete. We will finally have a place to call our own.
Everyone will have their own space, and we can enjoy having family time even more. This is a blessing to
my family.”
The Dennis’ home is sponsored by “Friends of USF”: Les & Pam Muma; Kate Tiedemann & Ellen Cotton;
Jeffrey & Brandy Fishman ; Terry & Carol Mullane; Mike Sutton; Jordan & Michelle Myers; Marc Ostroff;
Camila Gonzalez; and Todd St. John-Fulton.
Thanks to two community partnerships, Habitat homeowners will receive another hand up. Feeding
Tampa Bay has partnered with Habitat to stock the pantry for new homeowners, allowing them to open
a new chapter with healthy meals. The Holiday Sharing Fund has also partnered with Habitat. The group
has begun to surprise Habitat homeowner kids with brand new bikes and helmets.
Media are invited to attend dedications. View the full calendar at https://habitatpwp.org/calendar/.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and West Pasco Counties
Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has served over 880 families and
individuals through its new home buyer and exterior repair programs using locally raised funds.
Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed
with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income.
Candidates must demonstrate need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and
willingness to partner with Habitat to invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. Mortgage monies are
used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community.
Habitat believes that homeownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community
stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their two ReStores, home improvement outlets
where donated household and building items are sold to the public. For more information about
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, call (727) 536-4755 or visit
www.habitatpwp.org.