JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nearly 20 local families now have a place to call home. TIAA Bank and the Jacksonville Jaguars teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to make it happen.
Daphne Wheaton never dreamed she’d own her own home. Thursday, she does.
“A new whole dream again, a whole new life, like I’m starting all over again,” Wheaton said.
Her home on the Westside is one of 18 new homes built in the last few months.
“Ohhh, it was beautiful, beautiful, a lot of room, been what I’ve been always looking for,” she said.
Many of the new homes are part of the “One Team. One Home." initiative, a joint, five-year, $2 million pledge by the Jaguars and TIAA Bank in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Through this initiative, they are going to build or repair 100 homes in Northeast Florida. So far, they’ve helped 34 families.
As for Wheaton, she is thrilled this day is finally here.
“I feel good, better than I’ve felt in a long time,” she said.
Action News Jax asked Wheaton what the first thing she is going to do in her new home. Her response: “I’ve always wanted to take a good nap. Once I put my furniture in there, I’m so excited, I’m going to get me a new bed and fall asleep.”