The journey wasn’t easy. With Cornelius working full-time as a general manager in a gas station and Tyshara taking care of their three boys, finding time for sweat equity hours was a challenge. Saturday mornings were the hardest. “I work Monday through Friday, and Saturdays were my only rest days. But we had to push through,” Cornelius shared. They leaned on family, especially Tyshara’s parents, who stepped in to watch the kids. “My mom, and my dad helped out a lot,” Tyshara said. “so that we were able to come and do the sweat equity hours.” The long hours, the paperwork, the balancing act, it all led to this moment. Closing day. The moment they signed their names, Cornelius and Tyshara became homeowners. “It still feels unreal,” Tyshara admitted. “But tomorrow, when we move in, then we'll know that it's official, like we're in our house.” Finally, their family will be under one roof. No more living apart. The first thing they plan to do? “We’re going to pray over our home,” Cornelius said. “We want to ask God for safety and able to stay comfortable and just enjoy our home.” Then, they’ll get to work making it their own. “We picked a light gray,” Tyshara said. “One color throughout the whole house to keep it simple.” “Stay the course. Stay focused on the task at hand. Don’t get discouraged. Keep pushing, because the finish line is there.” Looking back, Cornelius knows the hard work was worth it. His advice for future Habitat homeowners? “Stay the course. Stay focused on the task at hand. Don’t get discouraged. Keep pushing, because the finish line is there.” Now, that finish line is behind them. The door to their future is open, and they’re stepping inside, together. Cornelius and Tyshara with their family in front of their new home on Dedication Day.
Roberto and Conny standing by the chairs in front of their new home, where they soak up some Vitamin D after working night shifts. When Conny and Roberto moved into their Habitat home in November 2024, it felt like a dream finally coming true. For years, Conny had imagined this moment, owning a home of her own, and now it was real. The move itself wasn’t as hard as they had expected. Instead of moving oversized furniture from their old apartment, they chose pieces that truly fit their new space. Their favorite? Two roomy couches that comfortably seat five or more. “Everyone comes to the living room now,” Conny shared with a smile. “Before, everyone stayed in their rooms. Now, it's different. We're all together. When we're watching TV, the three of them [grandkids] sit here, and the two of us sit over here. We're more united.” With two bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, and plenty of room for family visits, their home has become a family gathering place. “Everyone comes to the living room now. Before, everyone stayed in their rooms. Now, it's different. We're all together. When we're watching TV, the three of them [grandkids] sit here, and the two of us sit over here. We're more united.” Roberto, who’s never one to sit still, has taken on the role of house caretaker with pride. Whether he’s tending to the yard or washing the dogs, Coco and Goku, in the backyard, he’s found joy in keeping everything in great shape. Their dog Coco, the unofficial house tour guide, wagged her tail enthusiastically during a recent visit, clearly proud of her new domain. Owning their home has brought a fresh sense of independence and inspiration. Conny and Roberto are dreaming big, planning to build a shed for Roberto’s tools and a fence to give their dogs a safe place to play freely. The home’s blue color holds a special place in Roberto’s heart, it’s the same shade as his childhood home in Cuba. “I knew I wanted my home here to be the same color,” he said, holding up a photo of his first home.
President Carter shared Habitat for Humanity's credo that “everyone deserves a place to call home.” His efforts and support of Habitat catapulted what was then a small organization into a global force for affordable housing. Habitat affiliates in every state of the Union, and in more than 60 countries around the world owe an immense debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Carter. Thanks to their efforts, hundreds of thousands of families across the globe saw their housing conditions improve. There can be no better legacy than to have lived a life in the service of others. President and Mrs. Carter led a build right here in Miami’s Liberty City in 1991. Not only did that project provide much-needed homes for 14 families, but it shone a bright light on the issue of inequality and sub-standard housing right in our community. He sounded the alarm, and ever since, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami has worked hard to help over 1,300 families achieve affordable home ownership.
Our work will always continue to be inspired by President Carter. Although we have come a long way, the need in our community is greater than ever and we will continue the work he and Roselyn began. Thank you, President Carter. May you Rest In Peace. |