Habitat for Humanity presents home to 119th owner

A little snow couldn’t dampen the spirits of a new, proud homeowner, Pamela Robinson, who received the keys to her brand-new, three-bedroom, two-bath home in Lee’s Addition in the El Barrio neighborhood. Friends, family, staff and members of Habitat for Humanity, and a minister helped Pamela celebrate her new home. Robinson rushed around before the recent presentation to stage the area with her favorite mottos, plants and rugs. Robinson works as an X-Ray technician for a local Urgent Care center in Amarillo.

The family has been through difficult times, but they have been surrounded by a wonderful group of God-believers who have uplifted and stood by their family through their Habitat journey, according to Robinson. Their goal is to have the home paid off within five years and to continue helping others in the same situation. “Habitat for Humanity has illuminated our lives, offering hope for families who follow us,” was a statement issued by the family.

“We want to thank our volunteers. Because of your time, scraped hands and sore muscles and sacrifice, the Robinsons have a place to call home,” said Alason Moorhead, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. Folks with the Restore shop, part of Habitat for Humanity, really got to know her when she put in some hours working for them, and they wanted to present her with a gift certificate.

“We can’t tell you how much we appreciate you. You are one of the finest people we have ever worked with, and we will see you on a regular basis,” said Spencer Craft, Assistant Manager of Restore, part of Habitat for Humanity.

At the ceremony, Moorhead first presented Robinson with a Bible to signify the foundation and bread for the family to break together. “This was not an easy solution. It was hard, and it takes years. Pamela had the perseverance to make it through, and now she is a homemaker.”

When presented with the keys, Robinson let out a yell, “I got the keys!” and danced around. During her thank you message, she played the song, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” her theme through the process. She asked that God would give everyone involved double (blessings) for their trouble. She quoted scripture that said, “Fear not for I am with thee.” Robinson talked about all the work that so many contributed and working with her family and all the personalities. She said she always remembered, “God would never put more on each one of us here than we can handle.” She ended her thank you speech with, “There will be hard times and good times, but in the end God's words prevail.”

“The cornerstone of what we do is to prepare the recipients to be homeowners,” Moorhead said. “They do 500 hours of sweat equity, put down a $1,500 down payment, which we put toward their first year for taxes and insurance, and they go to 30 financial stability classes. It’s a journey, and she’s worked for years.”

Part of the requirements of the program include the family completing more than 500 sweat equity hours and attending more than 30 financial literacy classes. “We are incredibly proud of the Robinsons for persevering and making their dreams of home ownership come true,” said Sarah Curtis, Director of Operations.

The motto of Habitat for Humanity is “If we work together, we’re all better together,” Moorhead said.

There are several other homes next to Pamela Robinsons's that are being constructed for other hard working recipients.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Habitat for Humanity Amarillo presents home to 119th owner