(Vero Beach, FL) – Jevaughn Gayle has a long history with Habitat, and the same is true for his home-build sponsor, Grand Harbor.
In 2019, Gayle’s family home needed repairs, so they sought assistance from Indian River Habitat’s Home Repair program. While the repairs were taking place, a Habitat employee found out that Gayle was looking for a job and encouraged him to apply for a position in the Habitat ReStore.
Starting at the ReStore, Gayle worked his way up the ladder and now he climbs them for a living as a Habitat Construction Supervisor.
After helping numerous families achieve housing stability, Gayle decided it was time to become a homeowner himself.
“I feel proud to take on this new journey of becoming a homeowner. I am incredibly blessed that I got to help build my own home,” Gayle said.
Working alongside Grand Harbor made Gayle’s journey to homeownership even more fulfilling. Grand Harbor has been partnering with Indian River Habitat for almost 20 years, and Gayle’s home build marks its 22nd sponsorship, with more slated in the next fiscal year.
During the 18 years of Grand Harbor’s partnership with Habitat, Gayle has been in a position of leadership and direction. At Gayle’s Home Dedication, Grand Harbor residents surrounded his front yard, eagerly anticipating him receiving the ceremonial house key he worked diligently for in Habitat’s Homebuying program.
In addition to his regular workday, Gayle completed ‘sweat equity’ hours (instead of a down payment), built up a substantial savings account, and attended homeownership readiness classes.
Gayle is scheduled to close on his Habitat home later this month.
“My next dream is to bring my mom and sister over from Jamaica,” Gayle concludes.
For more information on how to become an Indian River Habitat homebuyer, visit irchabitat.org. @ircHabitat
About Indian River Habitat for Humanity
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Indian River Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. Together with Habitat Affiliates worldwide, our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. To do this, we empower working families by offering them a ‘hand up’ (not a ‘hand out’), on their journey to homeownership. In addition, Indian River Habitat offers affordable home repairs and home preservation to qualifying families through its Neighborhood Revitalization program. Through the Habitat Scholarship program, Indian River Habitat supports the post-secondary educational goals of Habitat homeowners and their dependents by offering financial assistance to help them reach for an education beyond high school or GED certification. With the support of volunteers, donors, businesses and churches, Indian River Habitat helps families build greater strength, stability, and independence.
