Habitat for Humanity organizers and workers are proud to see some new life in a spot that was overdue for renovation. Now, a new wave of first-time homeowners are getting moved in at Sunrise Park.
It's a goal for many families to own a home but for some, that's easier said than done. For one Charlottesville family, Wednesday is more than their move-in day - it's a dream come true.
New homeowner Harold Folley said, "Today we are moving in, we're excited about moving in, it's been a long road for us."
A road that started when Folley was much younger, struggling to get out of the system and on his own two feet.
"What gave me the determination is my parents, to get out of public housing to be able to maintain a house," said Folley. "It gave me the encouragement and for me to look up to them as an example of how I can make it out of diversity."
That passion has transformed his life, giving him the drive to seek help and with the resources of Habitat for Humanity, be an example to his own children – including Sabias and Sadarius.
Sabias said, "He's a leader, he always thinks positive."
"It shows that he loves us and cares about us," said Sadarius.
Sabias and Sadarius are two of Folleys five children who will be joining him and his wife in their new five-bedroom home. They are part of a new wave of homeowners who are trading in public housing for a house of their own.
Folley said, "You know it's really bad in these economic times and it's very good and very special to be able to afford a house and to make sure you have the income to afford it."
The Folley family will join volunteers in an effort to provide homes to the over 1,000 families in the Charlottesville area that are waiting to get out of public housing.
For this family, Habitat for Humanity will always play a huge role in their lives.
"It changed my life because I'm going to be a homeowner, it changed my life because I see beautiful things happening in my life," Folley said.
Four homes in Sunrise Park are already completed, two more will be done in early January followed by a 16 unit apartment building and 2 more homes. That will be ready for first time homeowners as early as next spring.
