Holiday at home

Rob Peters, with Habitat for Humanity for Marion County, presents Brittany Rutledge and her daughter, Ja’Nira McDavid the keys to their new home. [Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity of Marion County]

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Posted December 20, 2023 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

The crisp cool morning of Dec. 20 was perfect for the special gift being delivered to a young mom and her daughter just days before Christmas—the keys to their new home.

Now, Ocala native Brittany Rutledge and her daughter Ja’Nira McDavid, 19, a graduate of Vanguard High School, can celebrate the holidays and welcome in the new year inside the comfort of their Southeast Ocala home, which came through their work with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County (HFHMC).

The house blessing ceremony early Wednesday was the culmination of a journey that included actually helping build their new home, and much more.

HFHMC is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and part of a global nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles. The organization partners with families who have low to moderate income and experience crowding, expensive rent or unsafe conditions in their housing. The partner must attend educational courses and invest “sweat equity” to help build homes. Future homeowners pay around 30% of their gross monthly income.

According to materials provided by Habitat, Rutledge, who works as a dietary aide at a retirement home, started with the HFHMC program in June of 2022. She was required to complete 325 hours of sweat equity, as part of the program. Rutledge, however, put in more than 450 work hours by working on her own home and the homes of others. Her low-cost, affordable mortgage payments will go toward building more affordable homes.

“I have always worked hard to be a successful woman independently and as a parent for my daughter. It was important to myself and my daughter to have a place of our own with a backyard and private space. After years of seeking homeownership, I cried with joy when I was accepted into the program. I am glad that I will be in a safe and secure house that I can always call home. Thank you, God and Habitat for Humanity, for blessing us,” Rutledge said in a statement.

“Brittany’s story underscores the transformative impact of homeownership. Her unwavering commitment to creating a better life for her family resonates with our core values. We are proud to have been a part of her journey and are excited to see the Rutledge family thrive in their new home,” stated Dave Layman, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, in a news release.

Habitat officials noted that the success of the project included numerous donors, volunteers and supporters.

The official housewarming ceremony opened with remarks by Rob Peters, the project manager, and a prayer. The program included presentations related to furniture, power washing, a quilt, a Bible, the blessing of the home and the all-important handing over of the keys.

A Christmas tree in one corner of the home was adorned with numerous HFHMC envelopes, each containing a gift certificate for Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

Merry Christmas indeed!

To learn more, go to habitatocala.org