Devine and Bianca were forced out of their apartment complex after Hurricane Florence. Unfortunately, the damages were too severe for them to return. This left Devine, Bianca, and their three sons searching for shelter. They were able to move into a family member’s home, where Devine and Bianca shared a room with the two youngest boys in the cramped living space, and their oldest shared a room with other family members. They were grateful for a roof over their heads, but both knew this wasn’t a permanent option for their family.

Devine works as a cable and internet company technician, and Bianca is a stay-at-home mom with their three boys. Both Devine and Bianca grew up renting apartments and constantly moving every six to twelve months; nothing was permanent. They were ready for stability, not only for themselves but for their sons. Devine and Bianca want their sons to have a place that they can call home. Home stability is vital for everyone, but especially children. It affects physical, emotional, and behavioral health and is even connected to academic success.

Devine and Bianca want to ensure that their sons have a healthy home environment and are ready for their family to plant roots in a permanent spot where they can grow and flourish. Throughout the Homeownership program, the couple learned everything that goes into being homeowners, from budgeting to disaster preparedness. In 2022, Devine & Bianca moved their family into their new house, a stable place they call home.