With keys in hand, Esmeralda happily celebrates her home dedication.
Before partnering with Habitat, Esmeralda lived in an overcrowded two-bedroom apartment that was in constant need of repairs. She spent much of her time waiting on management to address ongoing issues, just to see little to no resolution.
In 2025, Esmeralda decided to take her future into her own hands and sought out Habitat to help her achieve her dream of homeownership.
Esmeralda started working with one of Habitat’s HUD-certified housing counselors and was officially selected into Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program in April 2026. From there, Esmeralda hit the ground running.
Outside of her new Habitat home, Esmeralda celebrates with her family and friends, many of whom helped her complete her sweat equity hours.
“It’s been a short amount of time, but a lot of work has been put in,” Habitat’s HUD-certified Housing Counselor Kethura Flores said. In just four months, Esmeralda contributed 300 hours of sweat equity, saved and paid $2,000 in closing costs and attended over 20 hours of homeownership education courses.
On August 28, Esmeralda was joined by family, friends, Habitat staff and supporters to celebrate her journey to affordable homeownership. Through some tears and emotional pauses, Esmeralda expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make her dream a reality.
“I do want to start off by saying thank you everyone for being here,” Esmeralda said at her home dedication. “I feel so grateful and blessed.”
Among those supporters was Esmeralda’s home sponsor, Herc Rentals, which began partnering with Habitat in 2019. Since then, Herc Rentals has contributed more than $300,000 in support of Habitat’s mission, and its employees have volunteered more than 520 hours.
Morgan Windes, the Sustainability & Social Impact Specialist at Herc Rentals, presents Esmeralda with the symbolic keys to her new home.
“Herc Rentals’ purpose is to equip our customers and communities to build a brighter future, and partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties helps us accomplish this,” said Katie Leone, Director of Sustainability & Social Impact at Herc Rentals.
Esmeralda’s home was the second Habitat home Herc has funded this year.
“Thank you for everyone supporting me and helping me do my volunteer hours,” Esmeralda said. “You guys didn’t have to do it, but you did because you care about me and my family. You know it’s been a journey for me.”
Seeing Esmeralda inside her new home was equally meaningful for those who helped make it happen. Morgan Windes, the Sustainability & Social Impact Specialist at Herc Rentals, presented her with the symbolic keys to her new home.
Esmeralda at Habitat’s admin office after officially closing on her home.
“Attending a home dedication is very emotional because each homeowner puts a lot of work into buying their home,” Morgan said. “It is incredibly rewarding to meet the homeowner, hand them the keys to their home and see the impact we’re making in the community.”
Now, Esmeralda has the home she’s been dreaming of, sharing a Bible verse that carried her through her journey: But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. (2 Chronicles 15:7)
“You gave me a place of peace, stability, and a place that I can finally call home,” Esmeralda said. “To all my family and my friends, sponsors and the Habitat family, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this dream come true.”
