Making a house a home

NORTH PORT — After a three-year long journey of work and collaboration, Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County handed over the keys to its second family this year.

The Cardialini family of five was enrolled in the program in June 2021, after struggling to find proper housing to accommodate Cassie Cardialini, who struggles with multiple sclerosis.

After applying for disability and moved into a home with molding issues, Cassie Cardialini said she knew moving the family again was necessary.

“We needed a forever home that was built well,” she said.

After being accepted by HFH, Cassie and Cosmo Cardialini completed numerous classes for financial planning and putting in 300 hours of volunteering on other Habitat housing projects.

The family was also heavily involved in the construction of their house, where they helped build an accessible space for their family to grow and thrive.

Cassie, who sometimes needs a wheelchair to move around, thanked staff for making her needs feel heard and seen during the process.

“They also worked with me on job sites, and it came to a point where I gained confidence in my abilities because before I felt I could only sweep on my good days,” Cassie said.

The 1,462-foot house officially finished earlier this month, complete with granite countertops, ceramic floors and personalized color schemes.

Widenened hallways, lowered bathroom counters, a concrete ramp to the front door and a grab bar in the shower were also added to the home, allowing Cassie to finally feel at home.

Camryn Malaney, HFH’s construction manager, spoke about the grueling process of collecting funds, volunteers and ideas to make the Cardialini family’s dreams become a reality during Friday’s dedication.

“When I came in, it was just the bones, but we’ve come together to make it a home,” Malaney said.

Malaney noted Cosmo’s incredible work ethic, sharing his passion for volunteer work blossomed throughout his time working with HFH in the construction field.

Though done completing his “sweat equity” hours, Cosmo shared he was looking forward to continuing that passion.

After Cassie and Cosmo Cardialini were handed the keys to their new home, they were overcome with emotion.

Their eldest son, Max, who had just returned from basic training, sat among his younger siblings and other HFH families as the couple thanked all that had helped them achiever homeownership.

“These people have become like second family to us,” Cassie Cardialini said. “We got close to other families and over the years have learned so very much about each part of the construction process.”