Pauline’s Story

Meet Pauline, a dedicated and resilient matriarch who has had roots planted in Alachua County for the past 55 years. Pauline was born and raised in Marion County before moving to Alachua County in 1969, after having her first child. She began nursing school, inspired by her passion to help others but was not able to complete her degree due to the demands of motherhood and working to support her family. Pauline applied her drive to assist others with her dedicated service of 20 years at Tacachale Developmental Disability Center in Gainesville, FL. Her journey to homeownership has stood the test of time, as she has always dreamed of having a home of her own.

Pauline and her children lived in government subsidized housing for many years, but she always felt unsafe and unstable. With her sheer drive and determination, Pauline worked multiple jobs to eventually move out of her subsidized housing, and relocated to an affordable rental that offered more safety. The motivation never escaped Pauline as she would often pass beautiful homes on her drive to work, and envision a future in a welcoming and safe home to call her own. While working at Tacachale Center, Pauline would adhere to a strict budget despite her desire to replace her existing vehicle and furniture in an effort to prepare for her dream of homeownership.

After applying for down payment assistance for many years with no success, Pauline became anxious and discouraged of ever achieving her goal of homeownership. She remembered hearing of Alachua Habitat for Humanity and stopped by the administrative office on a whim one day. Pauline was greeted and assisted by the Family Services Coordinator, Susan Meadows. She returned to work alongside Susan and the Family Services Director, Kristine Thompson, to prepare her financial documentation. After her application had been reviewed, Kristine excitedly called Pauline to congratulate her on the approval of her application! Pauline expressed how she “almost couldn’t believe it” when her application was approved. Since that day, Pauline has reminded herself to “take it one step at a time,” and has dedicated herself to completing her initial 50 hours of sweat equity despite the sweltering summer heat.

Pauline has shared how grateful she feels to be on this journey with Alachua Habitat for Humanity, and for the dependable assistance provided to her by the Alachua Habitat staff. When thinking about her future, Pauline is most looking forward to the “peace of mind and freedom” she knows she will be granted while in her new home. After many years of living in unsafe, crowded, and inadequate housing, Pauline is eager to wake up each day knowing that she gets to decide what can be done to her home. She plans to put her new kitchen to use right away, as she loves to cook and bake for her loved ones.

Pauline’s role as a driven, resilient, and deserving woman made for a natural partnership as the family partner for Alachua Women Build’s 17th home. She has witnessed the warmth and love given to the family partners who precede her, and she knows she is deserving of this opportunity. Pauline recognizes that this journey will not be easy, but she is encouraged by the support of the Alachua Habitat staff, volunteers with “helpful and willing hearts,” her loved ones, and her faith. Pauline’s message to women or anyone who has shared her history is to continue to believe in themselves and stand resiliently with hope for a brighter future.

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Everyone deserves a decent & affordable place to call home.

Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.

Decent 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 a decent life. 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 decent place to live. Because we are all humans. And every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.