Felicia Thomas got through a few words of her prepared remarks before emotion made
her stop. As she dabbed a tear from her eye, she was able to continue.
“Thank you so much to all of you here, and to my support system. You all reminded me
never to give up,” Thomas said Tuesday night to a small gathering inside First Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield, flanked by her son and younger daughter.
Thomas, a native of East St. Louis who has called Springfield home for more than two decades, will become the owner of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County’s 127th house, which is in the process of being built at 2802 S. 15th St.
First Presbyterian Church is contributing $120,000 toward the cost of constructing the single-family home. Since there is no financial institution making the loan, Thomas’ mortgage will be interest-free and her monthly payments become part of Habitat’s revolving fund that then allows for financing to additional homeowners. The international organization is supported by donors from the business community and, more so, the public at large.
Thomas will have to work 250 hours in “sweat equity” with Habitat and participate in monthly classes to prepare her for homeownership.
The home will be built under the supervision of construction coordinator Matt Blomquist
and will include many volunteer students from Lincoln Land Community College, where
he has taught building trades. Blomquist also teaches at Taylorville High School.
“We want this house to be here long after we’re gone,” Blomquist said. “It will be a
quality home, built with care. The students are Lincoln Land are very excited about
doing this. This is about making our community better and stronger.”
Candace Silas, HFHSC executive director, said Thomas underwent a
rigorous application and qualification process.
“We go through a financial analysis, and it’s given to our finance committee and our
family selection committee,” Silas said. “There is about a two-year waiting list, so Felicia
has been going through that much time in this process. We’re very proud of her, and
we’re so very grateful to all of those who donated and especially to First Presbyterian
Church.”
Thomas, 43, said she has never lived in a home of her own. She said she was notified
in January about being selected.
“I just never thought this moment would happen for me. It’s such a joy,” Thomas said.
“I’ve been living in apartments my whole life. I’m grateful to everyone here, and I’m
grateful to God.”
