The Tensley Family’s Story
Meet the Tensley Family. For Octivia Tensley, home is not just a place—it’s the heart of her family. Originally from Perry, Florida, Octivia has called Alachua County home since 1987. A dedicated mother, proud grandmother, and compassionate caregiver, Octivia is now one step closer to achieving her dream of a forever home through Alachua Habitat for Humanity.
A Licensed Practical Nurse at the VA, Octivia has spent her career caring for others, grounded by her passion for health and service. She studied at First Coast Technical College and Ultimate Medical Academy, earning an Associate's degree in Health and Human Services. Her professional journey continues to evolve, as she dreams of becoming a Registered Nurse and transitioning into a role in case management, working from home.
Beyond her career, Octivia finds joy in life’s simple pleasures: sewing, crafting, and watching sports. Family is the cornerstone of her life, and she cherishes time spent with her loved ones—her grandchildren, relatives, and extended family. Her two grandchildren, a 16-year-old granddaughter and an 11-year-old grandson, will be living in the new home with her, filling it with energy, laughter, and love. Her home is often filled with warmth during family gatherings, where they enjoy playing games, cooking out, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
Each of Octivia’s five children brings their own personality to the mix: a strong-willed daughter, a fun-loving youngest son, and a son who proudly assumes the role of “the boss.” Her boys are sports enthusiasts, while her daughters are talented with hair and makeup. Their shared bond is evident in the laughter, support, and resilience that define their family life. When asked why she applied to the Habitat program, Octivia spoke from the heart: “I applied for safety issues and needing a forever home for myself and my grandkids.” Her current housing situation has been marked by high costs and limited space. The promise of a safe, stable, and affordable home represents more than just shelter—it is a new chapter in their family legacy.
The moment Octivia learned her application had been approved, she was overwhelmed with joy. “I was overjoyed and screamed for joy. Happy, happy, happy,” she recalled. Since then, her experience with Habitat has been filled with purpose and community spirit, especially volunteering on other Habitat homes and connecting with fellow future homeowners. Octivia looks forward to the space, peace, and comfort her new home will bring. She imagines her favorite rooms—the kitchen decorated with cheerful red apples and her cozy bedroom—as places of rest and renewal. But more than that, she envisions her new home as a symbol of generational wealth, a lasting gift for her grandchildren.
When asked to describe what homeownership means to her, Octivia chose three powerful words: joy, peace, and love. These are not just aspirations—they are the values she is building into the very walls of her new home.
Home Proudly Sponsored By:
Everyone deserves a safe & affordable place to call home.
Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.
Safe shelter is something we all need to thrive. With a little help, we all have the potential to stand n our own. Bold actions speak louder than words. Working together, side by side, promotes understanding and self-reliance.
No matter who we are or where we come from…
We all deserve to have shelter. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to care for ourselves and our families and build our futures. At Habitat for Humanity, this principle is what unites us. Through shelter, we empower. Our shared vision is a world where everyone has a safe place to live. Because we are all humans. And every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.