Shavonne Washington’s Story
Meet Shavonne. Shavonne Washington has called Gainesville home for nearly her entire life. Born and raised in the heart of Florida, she’s spent 28 years in the city she loves, moving away only briefly before returning to be close to the people who matter most—her family. Now, she’s stepping into a new chapter in her life, one that brings both personal growth and a profound sense of hope, as she becomes a future homeowner through Alachua Habitat for Humanity.
Shavonne works at Shands Hospital as a Material Specialist, where she manages critical care equipment. When she’s not at work, Shavonne finds joy in life’s quieter moments—fishing, camping, running, and getting lost in a good book. She also cherishes time with her loved ones, whether it's going out to eat with friends, walking local trails, or traveling out of town with her family.
Her dreams are rooted in self-growth and wellness. She imagines planting her own garden one day, harvesting produce to cook healthier meals. She hopes to go back to school to expand her career options and continue learning in all areas of life. Her drive to improve herself and her future is evident in everything she does.
When Shavonne decided to apply for the Habitat program, it came from a place of readiness. “I always heard great things about it,” she said. “I’m in a place where it is time to step into my next journey. Habitat is truly a blessing.” And that blessing felt real the moment she found out her application had been approved. “I was overjoyed,” she recalled. “I was so excited. I was looking at what the future would be like living in the house.”
Through every stage of the program, Shavonne has embraced the experience wholeheartedly. She’s loved meeting the other homeowners, volunteers, and staff. Whether she’s swinging a hammer on a build site or attending monthly classes, she’s learning new skills, building relationships, and soaking in the knowledge that comes with creating a home from the ground up.
She’s already imagining what it will feel like inside her new home. Her favorite space will be the living room, bathed in sunlight, decorated with long curtains, family photos, and thriving indoor plants. More than anything, she looks forward to sharing this space with her family when they visit—making new memories, laughing, and simply being together. The idea of peace and tranquility within her own walls fills her with joy.
When she thinks about becoming a homeowner, three words come to mind: happy, fulfilled, and hopeful. And that’s exactly what this new beginning represents—a life of possibility, rooted in community and love, and a future built on faith, hard work, and dreams finally taking root.
Home Proudly Sponsored By:
Everyone deserves a safe & affordable place to call home.
Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.
Safe shelter is something we all need to thrive. With a little help, we all have the potential to stand n our own. Bold actions speak louder than words. Working together, side by side, promotes understanding and self-reliance.
No matter who we are or where we come from…
We all deserve to have shelter. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to care for ourselves and our families and build our futures. At Habitat for Humanity, this principle is what unites us. Through shelter, we empower. Our shared vision is a world where everyone has a safe place to live. Because we are all humans. And every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.