HAMLET — Kashena Hubbard admits she filled out her application at the last minute, but she was selected and cut the ribbon on her new home Tuesday.
Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandills hosted a dedication for Hubbard and her two sons, Josiah Willis and Omari Cameron, at their home on Beeler Avenue.
Development Director Olivia Webb welcomed the small crowd of family, friends and volunteers during the ceremony.
“Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope,” Webb said, describing the organization’s mission. “We help families who live and work in these counties build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.”
Webb said the organization, which serves Moore, Richmond and Hoke counties, works with families to give them a “hand up, not a handout.”
“We believe everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable home,” Webb said. “Families who partner with us build their own homes alongside volunteers, pay an affordable mortgage and are grateful for your help.”
Christy Brewster, Habitat’s home ownership manager, walks homeowners through their “entire journey” — from the application process to paying off the mortgage.
Brewster said that Hubbard spent 300 hours in sweat equity working alongside other Habitat homeowners and volunteers and attended 22 hours of homeownership classes over the past two years.
“And today is her day,” Brewster said. “Today, she’s home, and we are so proud of the work that she’s done.”
According to Brewster, Hubbard was at the jobsite “every single day” at 7:45 a.m. after working the third shift.
“I want you to remember …when you unlock that door that you earned it, and this is yours,” Brewster said to Hubbard.
Hubbard started her speech by thanking God and Habitat.
It was Hubbard’s aunt, she said, who talked her into sitting in on a class for potential applicants.
Hubbard said she doubted herself because of racking up debt with credit cards, so she waited until the last day to submit her application.
After receiving the call that her application had been approved, Hubbard said she began taking classes.
In addition to putting in her own sweat equity, Hubbard said her sons came out on landscaping day, “and it was a great experience for us.”
“It was a long process, because I’m a girly girl,” Hubbard said, adding that she had never used tools before.
Michelle Parrish, executive director of the United Way of Richmond County, said her organization’s Days of Caring includes a building project and many of those have been with Habitat.
“Together we’ve helped families move closer to the dreams of homeownership, building not just houses, but homes, where memories will be made for years to come,” Parrish said.
According to Parrish, 65 volunteers spent more than 325 hours on the Hubbards’ home.
“That’s 325 hours of community, compassion and commitment put into one project,” Parrish said, who added that she was also a volunteer on the build.
Enviva was one of the first volunteer groups to help with the home, working on the foundation during the Days of Caring. Other groups that assisted with construction were from: Planet Fitness; FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond; T-Mobile; Superior Cranes; Duke Energy; and various local churches.
“Along with our volunteers and future homeowner was a powerful reminder of why this partnership matters,” Parrish said. “You see first-hand the hope, determination and gratitude that makes this mission so special.
“United Way is proud to stand alongside Habitat to strengthen families and build a stronger Richmond County.”
Habitat for Humanity has built more than 20 homes in Richmond County since 2005, with eight now in the Briarwood neighborhood. There were two builds last year on Washington Street in Rockingham.
The organization is currently working with the city of Hamlet on a property sale that City Manager John Terziu said would bring more affordable housing to the city.
In 2025, Habitat also spent $300,000 on 28 repairs in the county.
The application period for the next round opens Aug. 1 and will be open for two weeks.
To learn how to apply for a Habitat home, repairs or to volunteer, visit sandhillshabitat.org, or call 910-295-1934.
