HAMPTON — Lisa Mittoo wanted a space she and her daughter, Natalia, could call their own.
Mittoo, who was born and raised in Jamaica, moved to the United States in 2004 at the age of 16.
Since 2011, Mittoo has worked at Riverside Health Systems as a certified nurse assistant, where she cares for the elderly.
Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, Lisa is now being taken care of.
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg in partnership with Wells Fargo broke ground on a home for Mittoo during a ceremony at the site of the future home, 423 Highland Ave. on Thursday.
“This home means so much to me and Natalia,” Mittoo said. “Natalia always wanted a house with a backyard and now she will have one. We appreciate it.”
Local dignitaries, including Mayor Donnie Tuck, Vice Mayor Linda Curtis and other city officials, and representatives from Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority were on hand for the groundbreaking.
Habitat for Humanity has built 17 homes along the peninsula for families since last July, according to its executive director, Janet Green.
The organization relies on building partnerships, volunteer labor, donated materials to build homes for families with an income between 45-80 percent of the area median income. The families buy the homes with a no interest and 20- to 30-year mortgage.
“Community support is at the heart of Wells Fargo,” said Alexis Swann, Peninsula business banking manager for Wells Fargo. “We are very happy to assist Habitat in their efforts to help low-income families receive affordable housing.”
Mittoo has already completed 100 of the 400 required “sweat equity” hours.
So far Mittoo’s “sweat equity” hours have included helping to build other homes for Habitat.
“I always like to say we’re building the house with somebody not for,” Green said. “Everything we do is in partnership.”
Construction will begin soon on Mittoo’s home but a timeline hasn’t been established for completion, according to Natasha Bugey, Habitat’s family services coordinator.
