Columbus County family gets new home for the holidays

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s been a year-long journey, but one Columbus County family will soon get a brand new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

“I still can’t believe it. It’s one of my main goals to own a home because when I was young, I didn’t have a place to call home,” said Beatrice Hernandez.

Hernandez has always dreamed of owning her own home. It’s a goal that extends beyond her own desires.

“It’s really important, especially for my kids. Cause I want them to have a place to call home,” said Hernandez.

That dream will soon be a reality thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers from Pender, Duplin, New Hanover, Brunswick, and Columbus counties are working on the house.

“Originally, we stepped in to do this build, and we were going to sub-contract out most of it and then come out and just do some of the finishing touches, but we had some last minute change of plans,” said Volunteer Coordinator Chris Teeter.

Those volunteers aren’t the only ones doing the hard work. Habitat for Humanity recipients are required to spend at least 250 hours building their own and other Habitat homes.

“They get to learn the skills so once they get in their home they can get the hammer and do any minor repairs that they have to,” said Teeter.

Construction of this home in Whiteville is part of the Mountain to the Sea Challenge, which aims to build a Habitat home in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

As for Hernandez, she thought this day would never come.

“I just want to say thank you for all the support, and thank you for Cape Fear Habitat and friends and family. I wouldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

Once complete, Hernandez will take on a zero-percent mortgage from State Employees Credit Union.

The house is expected to be finished around Thanksgiving.