Employees at Kings Hawaiian partnered with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to not only build a house in the parking lot of their company but to also hand it over to a coworker.
Wednesday morning, Maria Franco, an employee of Kings Hawaiian got the keys to her new home after the structure was moved to a lot on Tall Pine Road.
Kings Hawaiian CEO Mark Taira spoke to the crowd of volunteers and employees who gathered for the dedication ceremony saying, "From the Taira family and from our Kings Hawaiian, 'ohana. All of us are really very grateful to provide a nice home for you to raise your family for the future. Thank you for giving us the chance."
New homeowner Maria Franco stood proudly on the porch of her new home with her four children ages 19, 15, 9, and 7. Habitat board members told the crowd that it was exactly one year ago to the day that she signed her contract with the organization to begin on her home. They pointed out that Franco, a single parent, not only worked her full time job but also put in the equivalent of full time hours in building her own home in the span of a year. Typically, it takes a family closer to two or three years for a person to complete the required hours.
Franco's 15-year-old daughter, Fernanda Martinez said she is very proud of her mother and excited to move into their new house. She encouraged everyone to get involved and volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity group in Hall County saying, "It's very beautiful to see everyone come together to help others, especially in times of need because that's what we're all here for."
To see if you qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home in Hall County, visit the group's website by clicking here and sign up to attend a new homeowner orientation class.
