Single mom gets new home on the Northside

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Single mother Octavia Jones was amazed as she walked into her new home on the Northside.

"It's amazing. I'm speechless. This is a huge blessing," said Jones.

Jones is a single mother of three who at times worked two jobs to support her family.

According to the census website, in 2010, there were more than 31,000 single mothers raising young children in Jacksonville.
Jones was one of them.

She worked hard for the past couple of years to meet Habitat for Humanity guidelines, to qualify for a home.

She completed more than 300 hours of volunteer work.

Former Atlanta falcons player Warrick Dunn heard about her story and stepped in to help makes Jones' dream come true. Dunn says his past is what led him to help out.

"My mom was shot and killed when I was 18 and her dream was to own her own home, and through 'Homes for Holidays' I am able to live out my mom's dream to help single parents," said Dunn

Dunn partnered with HabiJax, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Ashley Furniture, to give Jones furniture, stocked cabinets and shelves, and a place for her to now call home.

"I had this goal for the age of 30 to be in a home for them so it's happening and I can't believe it I'm shaking in trying not to cry," said Jones.

Jones was also given a $5,000 check to help with a down payment on her new home.

WJAX