Building and preserving communities

"I want to provide my family with a stable, loving environment and show them what life can be like outside of public housing."

Porshia Finley grew up in public housing.  It was always her mother’s dream to move her family from that type of housing.  But Porshia’s mother passed away before she could realize that dream, and Porshia found herself bounced from one substandard apartment to another.  Once her mother's dream, the dream of a true home became her own when she became pregnant as a teen.  Not wanting her son to grow up in substandard housing motivated Porshia.

Porshia returned to school and graduated from high school.  In 1999, she got a job at Asheville City PreSchool, where she is still employed today.  She applied with Habitat in 2009, worked her way through the process which included 200 hours of sweat equity,  and in 2010 the Finley family was home.  “You have given my family so much more than just a house.  You have given us a place where my daughter will take her first steps, where my son will play football in the yard, where we will have family dinners, and where I will help my children do their homework.  In short, not merely a house, but a true home.” 

Habitat homeowners simply want what many of us take for granted: a safe and decent house.  One they can afford.  One that is safe - inside and outside.  One that is their own.  A place to enjoy life and each other; a place for children to play and grow; a place that is truly HOME.