We surprised Laverne at work with the news about acceptance into the Habitat program. She works at Texas A&M Veterinary Service.

Laverne and Gary Walton live in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Bremond, but this isn’t their first time living in a cramped or inadequate home. Prior to their fateful meeting at the Bremond Nursing Home in September 2006, Laverne grew up with 11 siblings in a small, three-bedroom home in Bremond and Gary was raised by his grandmother in a small home in Waco. Gary has had several health struggles including being diagnosed with throat cancer at only 27 years old. His 13 surgeries leave him wheelchair bound, so maneuvering around their small apartment proves challenging. A wheelchair accessible home is something the couple has been hoping and praying for since they married.

Laverne’s youngest daughter Nikki is currently a Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity homeowner and encouraged her mother and step-father to apply to the program. The couple applied, hoping that this new home would be closer to Laverne’s work at Texas A&M Veterinary Services and provide a place for Gary to really feel at home.

Laverne is looking forward to having a home where her husband is comfortable, but also where her children and grandchildren can come over for family meals and holidays. The couple enjoys spending time together listening to music and watching Family Feud. Laverne particularly enjoys cooking, and describes that because sometimes the air conditioner in their home does not work properly, she has to leave the windows and door open while she cooks and neighbors will stop by to find out what she is cooking. In the couple’s new home, she hopes to have neighbors over for entertaining and making friends in the new community.

The Waltons’ dream of homeownership has just begun and thanks to the encouragement of family, co-workers, and the Habitat for Humanity staff, the couple is on their way to making this dream a reality. Laverne and Gary thank God for providing the outpouring of support and seeing them through this journey. Laverne and Gary are grateful to the sponsors for sharing God’s love.  Laverne explains that their contributions and support, which allow people to live their dreams, are truly a blessing to this community.

If you’re wondering how you can provide a better future for your family and want to know about our affordable homeownership program, click the button below to learn more. Habitat homes are sold without interest, enabling low-income families to afford simple, decent homes.

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