Indian River Habitat employee becomes homeowner with help from Grand Harbor

VERO BEACH — Jevaughn Gayle has a long history with Indian River Habitat, and the same is true for his home-build sponsor, Grand Harbor.

In 2019, Gayle’s family home needed repairs. They sought assistance from Indian River Habitat's Home Repair program. While the repairs were taking place, a Habitat employee found out Gayle was looking for a job and encouraged him to apply for a position in the Habitat ReStore.

Starting at the ReStore, Gayle worked his way up the ladder and now climbs them for a living as a Habitat construction supervisor.

After helping numerous families achieve housing stability, Gayle decided it was time to become a homeowner.

“I feel proud to take on this new journey of becoming a homeowner. I am incredibly blessed that I got to help build my own home,” Gayle said.

Working alongside Grand Harbor made Gayle's journey to homeownership even more fulfilling. Grand Harbor has partnered with Indian River Habitat for almost 20 years, and Gayle's home build marks its 22nd sponsorship, with more slated in the next fiscal year.

During the 18 years of Grand Harbor's partnership with Habitat, Gayle has been in a position of leadership and direction. At Gayle's home dedication, Grand Harbor residents surrounded his front yard, eagerly anticipating him receiving the ceremonial house key he worked diligently for in Habitat's home-buying program.

In addition to his regular workday, Gayle completed 'sweat equity' hours (instead of a down payment), built up a substantial savings account and attended homeownership readiness classes.

Gayle was scheduled to close on his Habitat home in late June.

“My next dream is to bring my mom and sister over from Jamaica,” Gayle said.

For more information on how to become an Indian River Habitat homebuyer, visit www. irchabitat.org .

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Indian River Habitat employee becomes homeowner with help from Grand Harbor