Meet Latasha and Racquel

Grand Harbor's Sponsored Families

Ever since the sixth grade when Latasha realized she had a passion for helping others, she has devoted much of her life to strengthening this calling.

Latasha Hall is a Florida native, and a proud mother of three. Five years ago, she relocated to Vero Beach from Port St. Lucie. Currently, Latasha and her children share a three bedroom/two-bathroom apartment that has caused her much anxiety. Mold has begun appearing on clothing and on walls in the bathroom. On top of the mold, the family is unable to open the windows in their home, despite failed maintenance requests, and the rent is rapidly increasing.

Latasha works as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teaching assistant and is on track to completing her teaching certification in the future. If her accelerated journey in becoming a first-time homeowner is any indication, Latasha will reach this next goal with the same level of determination and fortitude.

“Becoming a homeowner was never something I thought I could do on my own – ever,” Latasha says.

Not only are you doing it on your own, but you are also building a stronger future for you and your family with your own two hands!

Each one of us has someone in our lives who inspires and motivates us to achieve our goals.

For Racquel, her three children are her main motivation, but she credits her late grandmother for inspiring her to become a homeowner. Before Racquel’s grandmother lost her battle to cancer in July, she was constantly encouraging her to take a leap of faith and become a homeowner. One month later, in August, Racquel took her grandmother’s advice and applied to purchase a Habitat home, despite her fear of the unknown.

“I was afraid at first, but it’s worth it. I’m happy that I finally did it,” Racquel says.

Racquel, her 14-year-old daughter, and 9-year-old twins, currently live in a three-bedroom apartment where she spends more than 30 percent of her income on rent. Additionally, overcrowding has become an issue for the family - as the kids continue to grow, the apartment seemingly shrinks in size.

After Racquel saw a family member recently buy a Habitat home, she inquired about their experience, applied, and has shown up day after day to work the required ‘sweat equity’ hours.

As Racquel would tell you, taking a risk is scary, but the reward is well worth it!

Congratulations, Racquel! We are all proud of the progress you have made.