Tampa Bay On Your Lot Builder Helps Build American Dream for Family in Need

All State Homes donates land and helps Habitat for Humanity build home for Haiti native who left her country without any idea of how to survive in America.

Stay connected: Share RSS Feed

(From left to right) Dan Larson, Guerline Bernard and Ivy Norwood.

(PRNewsChannel) / November 06, 2008 / Tampa, Fla. / Facing political unrest and economic hardships, Guerline Bernard escaped an uncertain future in Haiti to come to America. She became a U.S. citizen six years ago but didn’t have a place to call home until Tampa-based All State Homes stepped up to the plate to help build her a house.

Bernard applied for a home through Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County on two different occasions.  The last time was different because All State Homes, Tampa’s On-Your-Lot Builder, donated an empty lot and volunteered to help in a ‘blitz build’ on the property.

Dan Larson and Ivy Norwood from All State Homes saw the project go from start to finish.

“Dan and I have so much gratitude in helping a family in need,” Norwood says. “We are proud of All State Homes for generously donating this land and we couldn’t think of a better way to help give back to the community than to help one of its residents in need.”

All State Homes originally bought the property to build on it, but recently decided to give it back to the community and continue on its history of charitable contributions. The home is located at 3612 N. 55th Street in the Grant Park area of Tampa.

Bernard is a native of Haiti and made the decision to come to the United States on a leap of faith at the age of 23 in 1995.  The mother of three faced an uncertain future back home due to a volatile political environment and a poor economy but she didn’t exactly know how to pursue an American dream.  On October 25th, her prayers became reality as she moved into a new home with her family.
“I had to leave all that I loved and held dear to begin a new life in an unfamiliar country and culture,” Bernard says. “It is a joy to see how strangers will still reach out to others even in the smallest ways. They have been a blessing and I am very grateful for their help.”

As the sour economy continues to force people out of their homes, this story is one of the bright spots happening in the Bay area where a business is taking charge and helping build up the community.

“It was heartwarming to see how appreciative the Bernard family was for a brand new home. It’s an experience I won’t soon forget,” says Norwood.

About All State Homes: All State Homes, Inc. is a second generation family-owned business. The company has been building single and multi-family residences in Central Florida since 1955. With more than 15,000 satisfied homeowners, All State Homes continues to bring the dream of affordable home ownership to families today. The company specializes in building on the customer's lot. All State Homes has a strong history and outstanding reputation of building affordable homes throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas counties.

Contact: 
Ivy Norwood, All State Homes
Email:  
Phone:  (813) 931-8941 or cell: (813) 841-7475
Web site: www.allstatehomes.com

For PR tips and to engage in conversation:
Follow PR NewsChannel on Twitter. Friend on Facebook.

Want the world to know your news? Find out how...