FORT SMITH, Ark. — Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity returned to work after a hiatus during the pandemic.
Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders helped begin the new construction on Saturday, June 15. The group is putting together a four-bedroom home for Emberly Johnson and her four children. Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Joe Riddle estimates it will take four months to complete.
"For the professionals, it's something that they can do to help give back to the community. For the students and beginners and people that have don't really do this on a daily basis, it's an opportunity to learn something new and for a really good cause to help a family in need," Riddle said.
Johnson is also putting in the so-called "sweat equity," building alongside the volunteers. However, hard work is nothing new for the single mom of four.
"It's hard. I'm not going to say it's easy because I have my days, but overall, God keeps me on that path to stay positive and motivated for them because I want them to see me being a strong-willed person," Johnson said.
Johnson was a CNA for 16 years before studying to receive her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She traveled between Fort Smith and Poteau to study and be with her family. She's now a special education teacher at Ramsey Middle School in Fort Smith.
"I had to do Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays. I had to do doubles to maintain my income, maintain food on the table, electricity, you know. I had to pay my bills," Johnson said.
For the past few months, Johnson moved her family in with her parents. She said that it's not the first time she had to do that, but it will be her last now that she has her first home.
Johnson's mother encouraged her to apply for a home through Habitat for Humanity. She's grateful to have been chosen and is excited for what's to come.
"I'm beyond thankful," she said. "My kids are so excited they get their own bedrooms. And it's just like, it's my home, you know, like I can decorate it how I want to decorate it, or, you know, put some landscape out in the front. And just like, enjoy my home I can call our home."
Riddle says they want to have the Johnson family in the home before the holidays. He encourages anyone wanting an opportunity like this to follow their Facebook for any future applications.
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