Columbia resident's dream of home ownership becomes reality with Habitat program

Shirley Wilson's path to home ownership began with a phone call after seeing an ad about Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Homeownership Project.

Wilson, 69, was intrigued about the program and wondered if she could be a part of it.

"I saw a sign. I thought I'm going to call this number," Wilson said.

A single phone call later, Wilson had taken her first step toward homeownership, a journey that will eventually provide her and her granddaughter with a bright future and comfortable place to live.

Approximately 35 to 40 volunteers from the First Farmers and Merchants Bank gathered at Wilson's home in Columbia on a recent Saturday to paint, hammer and build.

"It's just a blessing. I love seeing everyone here," Wilson said as the volunteers put the finishing touches on her new home in late April. "I finally have something of my own."

Wilson, a Columbia native who has rented for most of her adult life, attended Carver-Smith High School.

She grew up in a home her family rented. Her mother was a busy stay-at-home mom, while her father worked construction. Tragedy hit the family early when her brother, Ronald, drowned when he was just 10 years old.

"After Ronald died, things were different for our family," she said. "He is in our hearts always."

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Wilson's granddaughter Demiria, 24, who is autistic, preferring quiet environments, will share the home with her.

"Being able to provide Demiria with a home in a safe neighborhood is my ultimate goal," she said.

First Farmers CEO Brian Williams said partnering and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is part of the company culture and is built into the bank's yearly calendar and budget.

"It's very rewarding to be here today," Williams said. "It's one thing to make a contribution, but it's another thing to be together in this way, in this setting, a part of something pretty special."

Over the past several years with the bank, Williams has participated in at least seven builds.

"Giving back is our bank's mission and part of our 113-year-old history," Williams said. "It has meant more than just giving a check."

Increased housing costs affects many

Williams said that rising home prices are making homeownership more difficult for many.

"The reality is that with the increased cost of housing, the challenge of affordable housing cannot be overstated," he said.

Wilson and Jill Giles, First Farmers and Merchants Bank chief accounting officer, have gotten to know each other well after meeting for almost seven months for education and training about home ownership, including financing and budgeting.

"She's my guardian angel," Wilson said. "I've learned a a lot about helping people and people helping me."

She also said she's received a lot of education in finance and even completed a required six-hour computer course as part of the Habitat homeownership program.

"I'm excited. I've come a long way," Wilson said.

For Wilson, it's also about summer cookouts in the backyard and providing a place for family to spend the holidays.

"Things haven't always been easy, but I am thankful for the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program," she said. "It's perfect for people like me who would not traditionally qualify to purchase a home."

Habitat for Humanity's largest fundraiser of the year Hammers and High Heels will be May 13 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin.

For more information, visit https://hfhwm.org/happenings/hammers-and-high-heels/.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia resident's dream of home ownership becomes reality