Sharvona Jordan receives the keys to her new Habitat home. Habitat homeowners contribute sweat equity, putting in hundreds of hours helping build their homes. Photo courtesy of Habitat Tampa Bay Hillsborough
David Reece shows off keys to his new Habitat home. The two homes are part of Windhorst Commons, Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough’s 23-home neighborhood in Brandon, featuring hurricane-resilient construction. The remaining homes in the community are expected to be completed by early 2027. Photo courtesy of Habitat Tampa Bay Hillsborough
BRANDON – Sharvona Jordan and David Reece are beginning new chapters as the first homeowners in Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough’s Pope Leo Village initiative.
Jordan, a licensed insurance agent, left behind a home where she shared a bedroom with her 5-year-old daughter and water had to be boiled before it could be used for cooking, bathing or cleaning. Plus, the roof was not stable.
“Home means security to me,” Jordan said. “It ensures my daughter has a safe environment where she can thrive and be the very best version of herself. Having a home makes me feel so accomplished, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Reece, a flight attendant, had been sharing limited space in his sister’s home. He looks forward to the sense of independence and permanence that homeownership provides.
“Home is a place where you can relax, knowing that you belong right where you are,” Reece said. “It’s a firm foundation I have only dreamed of having until now. I love to travel for work, but I look forward to returning home to friends and family. To the donor and volunteers, you are difference-makers beyond belief.”
The homes, located in Windhorst Commons in Brandon, are the first completed houses in the local eight-home Pope Leo Village project. The multi-city effort is sponsored by an anonymous donor.
“Sharvona and David’s stories are exactly why we’re building Pope Leo Village, to create safe, affordable homes while giving more people the opportunity to serve their neighbors and help build a stronger future for families,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “We hope these homes inspire young people and people of all faiths to volunteer and financially support our work.”
The donor wants the initiative to not only create housing but also reignite civic engagement and a shared sense of purpose. The donor has offered to match every donation toward the project dollar for dollar.