“If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?”
This was the question Sheryl asked herself before embarking upon one of her biggest adventures yet. A Michigan native, Sheryl came to Florida to visit family. However, when the vacation inevitably ended and she returned home, her heart never left. In fact, just 7 months after falling in love with the coastal town, Sheryl packed up her belongings and made the solo journey to Vero Beach.
Picking up your life and moving to a new city can be daunting, but Sheryl is used to riding the wave. On her days off from working as the Assistant Manager for a national wellness company, she enjoys surfing the Pacific and serving as Public Information Officer with the Volunteer Fire Department.
Since moving to Vero, Sheryl has experienced a reality familiar to many. Her apartment complex was acquired by a new company causing her rent to nearly double and take up more than 30% of her income. In addition to rising rent costs, Sheryl knew it was time for her to enjoy the next phase of her life with her newfound independence; and that no longer included renting.
Prior to learning about Habitat, Sheryl recalls never even using a caulking gun. Now she can walk around a Habitat home that’s currently under construction and proudly point to the walls she’s helped raise and the foundation she helped build for her fellow Habitat homebuyers.
As of today, Sheryl has reached over 60% of the ‘sweat equity’ hours required to continue her journey toward becoming an Indian River Habitat homeowner. Not only has this been a life changing experience, but Sheryl also knows, now more than ever, she can do anything on her own.
“You know, I used to be a housewife,” Sheryl says, “Now, I build them.”
