Building a Life, One Step at a Time: The Vanessa Mingo Story
In 2018, Vanessa Mingo stood on a construction site, hammer in hand, watching a Habitat for Humanity home begin to take shape. She was 23 years old, one of just two women enrolled in the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program in Marion County. At the time, she was working toward her GED, raising two young children, and trying to imagine a future bigger than her circumstances.
“I remember seeing the family at the wall raising,” Vanessa said in a local news interview that year. “After that, I made myself try hard and not give up.”
That day planted a seed—a quiet promise to herself and her children that she would keep pushing forward. Six years later, that promise has come full circle.
Vanessa’s story is one of perseverance, love, and growth. Now 31, she is the proud mother of Peter (9) and Savannah (8), who have been her inspiration every step of the way. “They are my motivation to provide a better, more stable life than was provided for me as a child,” she shares.
Her journey toward homeownership didn’t begin with blueprints or floorplans—it began with service. Volunteering for Habitat during her GED program wasn’t just an opportunity to give back; it was a turning point. That experience showed her what was possible and set her on the path to create something lasting for her family.
“I happily dedicated my free time to the program in hopes of being a good role model for my kids,” she says. “It also helped guide me to take the steps I needed to provide a safe, secure home for them.”
In November 2023, Vanessa officially became a Habitat Family Partner. Over the following year, she completed 400 sweat equity hours while attending homeowner education classes and building alongside other future homeowners. She worked hard to improve her credit, create a family budget, and develop the tools to manage her household finances.
But even more than that—she grew. Personally, emotionally, and spiritually.
“I’ve learned so much on this journey,” she says. “This isn’t just about building a house. It’s about becoming the best version of myself. I want to be the role model for my kids that I didn’t have growing up.”
Vanessa describes herself as outgoing and big-hearted, with a love for animals and a passion for helping others. Whether it’s encouraging a stranger or writing out her thoughts, she finds joy in connection. “I tend to be shy at first,” she laughs, “but once I open up, I can be very silly and playful.”
Now, Vanessa and her children are looking forward to new beginnings in a home that’s all their own—a place where laughter echoes down the hallways, traditions are born, and hope is a permanent fixture.
A Community That Builds Together
This life-changing milestone was made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors who believe in the power of giving back. We are especially grateful to Bedrock Resources, the official Home Sponsor for the Mingo family, whose investment laid the foundation—literally and figuratively—for a brighter future.
In addition, heartfelt thanks go to the many community supporters who stood behind Vanessa and her children throughout their journey. Businesses like Gabriel’s Christian Book & Supply, Warren’s Power Washing, Legacy Furniture and Mattress, and Country Road Quilters played a vital role in making this dream a reality.
We are also thankful for organizations like True Title of Central Florida, Bright Corners Building Cleaning Solutions, That Party Girl, and Stone Creek Community Stitchers, whose contributions helped ensure that Vanessa’s home was not just built, but ready—clean, cared for, and filled with love.
It’s acts of kindness like these that remind us how much can be accomplished when a community comes together with open hearts and shared purpose. Every donation, every stitch, every hour—it all matters. And it all helped build not just a house, but a home.
Why Our Mission Matters
At Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. We partner with individuals and families who are willing to work alongside us to build and buy their own homes—homes that are safe, affordable, and filled with possibility.
Through financial education, sweat equity, and the support of our volunteers and donors, our Family Partners are empowered to take control of their futures. We don’t give away homes—we give people the tools to build a better life.
Becoming a Family Partner
Our Family Partner program is designed for individuals and families ready to commit to the journey of homeownership. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. From credit coaching to construction hours, we walk with our partners every step of the way—because we believe in people like Vanessa. And we believe in the future they’re building.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner, visit habitatocala.org/homeownership to learn more.