Source: St. Pete Catalyst, Published By: Bill DeYoung
Since August 2021, Brianna Clayton and daughter Paisley, now 5, have been living in a guest bedroom – sharing a bed – at Brianna’s dad’s house.
The awkward arrangement officially changed today as Habitat For Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties officially dedicated its 800th home, in St. Petersburg’s Lealman district – and handed the key to Brianna Clayton.
“Two bedrooms, two bathrooms,” Clayton marveled just before the public ceremony began. “We’re going to officially move in today. Moving trucks are waiting, and we’re ready.”
As part of the Habitat contract Clayton, who tends the bar at Buffalo Wild Wings and is taking college classes, put in around 400 sweat equity hours on the home at 2790 53rd Ave. North, as well as on other local builds. She also took 32 home buyer education classes.
“This is a huge accomplishment, and a good example to set for my daughter,” she said. “So she knows that you can do anything, no matter what life throws at you.”
She receives a zero-percent interest home loan.
“Six years ago today, we were dedicating the 400th home – that puts in perspective how much growth we’ve had. But there’s such a need for affordable housing,” said area Habitat President & CEO Mike Sutton. Read more
