Single Mother Of 6 Handed Keys To New Home In Largo

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — For the first time, a single mother of six children had the pleasure of tucking her children into their beds without the nagging fear that they might lose the roof over their heads.

With the help of Warrick Dunn Charities and Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, on Monday Allison became a first-time homeowner and her children now have a permanent place to lay their heads at night.

“There are no limits now, no more glass ceiling," said Allison after receiving the keys to her new home in Largo. “It feels like we finally crossed over that line to where we have security and stability, and it’s just amazing.”

Allison and her children, five of which have special needs, found their new home fully stocked with groceries, electronics and furnishing, thanks to a $10,000 contribution from Aaron's Inc.rent-to-own furniture and donations from Publix, Cigna and the nonprofit established by Ryan "Jume" Jumonville, chairman of the board of United Networks of America.

“Giving back is a critical part of what we do at Aaron’s, so we embraced the opportunity to outfit Allison’s new home with furnishings that catered to her extraordinary family’s needs,” said Robert Fink, general manager of Aaron’s Tampa Bay. “Being from the Tampa Bay area and managing the store here for the last 13 years, it is also very meaningful for me personally to have this type of impact on a family here in our community.”

Additionally, Dunn presented a $5,000 down payment assistance check to Allison and former Major League Baseball player Denard Span, founder of the Denard Span Foundation, dedicated to providing families in need with reliable transportation, handed her the keys to a new van, which will be customized for the children's special needs.

Allison's home is the 182nd house across the country that Warrick Dunn Charities has helped furnish through its Home for the Holidays program. The nonprofit organization was created by the former NFL star to providing furnishings, down payment assistance and scholarships and other services for single parents and their children.

Raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dunn was the oldest of six children being raised by his single mother, Betty Smothers. A police officer, Smothers was ambushed and killed on Jan. 7, 1993, while escorting a businesswoman to make a night deposit. Dunn was only 18 years old when she died.

Dunn formed his nonprofit and began furnishing homes 20 years ago while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“This is where I did my first home after graduating from college and this community has always embraced me and accepted me,” said Dunn. “They know what I‘ve been through, and they know who I am, and so they understand my drive and passion to help individuals and families in this community. I’m always excited to come back to my second home – the one with palm trees and water.”

Allison is a patient care technician who has devoted both her personal and professional life to serving others. Her six children range in age from 4 to 12.

The family previously lived in a three-bedroom apartment. The rent had grown too expensive for Allison's budget. In addition, the apartment wasn't wheelchair accessible and had carpeting that contained allergens that impacted the health of her children with compromised immune systems.

Allison completed 20 homeownership courses, spent 350 sweat equity hours helping to build the new house and saved the money for closing costs through the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program.

Nevertheless, she managed to keep the new house a secret from her children until Monday when Dunn presented her with the keys to their new home.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco County has now built 638 homes for families.

Note: Habitat for Humanity keeps the last names and addresses of clients confidential to protect their privacy.