Former Bucs player helps single mothers get started in new homes
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Warrick Dunn on Tuesday handed two single mothers in Sarasota the keys to their new homes.
Both of the mothers, who are not being identified by their full names for their privacy, are now first-time homeowners. When they stepped into their new homes, they were in for a big surprise.
Two Sarasota families pulled up to the driveways of their new homes to find Dunn outside. And when they stepped foot inside, they were overwhelmed to see their homes fully furnished and stocked with food, appliances and other supplies.
“I feel this is a dream,” said Alla, one of the mothers.
A partnership between Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Warrick Dunn Charities and Aarons made it all possible.
Dunn has been helping single parents find stability through homeownership for the last 27 years.
“That solves a lot of issues in society and I think for myself over the years, realizing that it is not about mothers or dads — it is about the kids,” Dunn said.
Shaquana works at a local non-profit that serves local kids. She’s the first in her family to graduate from college, and she did so while raising her two young children.
The rising cost of rent left her living with her mother. She said this new home stocked up with everything they need is a weight lifted off her shoulders.
“I don’t have to worry about anything,” she said. “We just move in and make memories together as a family.”
“I will be crying for a couple of days, maybe a month,” Alla said. “I can’t believe it.”
Alla told Dunn she could never repay him for the gift he’s giving her family.
“You don’t owe me anything,” Dunn said. “My this is not — you pay it forward and help someone else. Help guide and do something for someone else.”
The two homes on Tuesday mark number 224 and 225 for Warrick Dunn Charities. And on top of the $10,000 in home furnishings, both families got a $5,000 check to help with the down payments for their homes.
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