Once Marquita Forsett moved into her Habitat house in Overtown, she felt a deep sense of commitment to improving the surrounding neighborhood. Compelled to reversing Overtown's negative stigmas, Marquita decided to become actively involved in order to effect change in her community. She was elected president of the Overtown Homeowners Association, governing all 53 Habitat homes in that community. She also became a member of the City of Miami Overtown Community Oversight Board, which provides economic and business development, educational opportunities, historic and cultural preservation, and supports housing and job creation in the area.

Marquita seeks the same stability and blessing for other low-income families. She serves on Habitat's Family Selection Committee, visiting applicants to determine their need for a home. "I want to let people know that we are not victims in life.  We can choose to be participants and win the battles that we face."

Life before Habitat was a struggle. Finding adequate housing was difficult for Marquita, a single mother to four children: Daz, Christian, and twins Micah and Justice. "My children and I were housed in a one-bedroom apartment.  I hated the area and didn't know how I was going to improve the quality of our lives. I always have had a very strong prayer life and faith in God and knew that anything could be possible if you believe.  So I did a lot of fasting and praying.   I had always heard about Habitat but never understood the process or the total vision.  So I did my research, attended a meeting, and my life has been on a upward climb to achieve attainable goals."

Much has changed now that she has become a homeowner. "My kids are so happy in their own rooms.  We did all the work on our home.  We painted every wall and door.  We laid our own hardwood floors and we maintain our own lawn.  It's a family affair and a joyful one."

Past featured homeowners:

Cora Mae Brown - “The Lord has blessed me every day since we moved in. Habitat is a ministry of the Lord.”

Ilyia Williams - "Always remember that there are people out there who won’t give up on you."

Karen Holmes - first Miami Habitat homeowner to pay off her mortgage

Charline Cannady - "I am so excited that I am becoming a homeowner."

James and Aurel Smith - "There’s no limit to how many times you can say thank you."

Luis Giron and Noemi Caballero - "There are many good things to speak of in this world and one of these things is Habitat for Humanity."

Mary Velez - "I want to thank everyone who had something to do with my dream becoming a reality for my kids."

Odette Louis - "I am so happy and thrilled with joy, knowing that my dream finally came true."