Charlottesville Habitat’s First Homeowner

When Phyllis Meredith applied to be the first local Habitat Partner Family homeowner in
1991, she was working two jobs and struggling to provide for her two sons, David and Charles.
“I decided to take a chance and apply when I heard that Habitat was starting to build homes
here in Charlottesville,” said Phyllis. “The place we lived wasn’t safe. My youngest son was very sick in the hospital, and we needed a stable home to call our own.”
After 1992, when Phyllis became the first Charlottesville Habitat homeowner, her children’s
grades and health improved and she was able to spend more time with them. In 2007, she paid off her house in full, which she says is one of the proudest accomplishments of her life.
“This house is invaluable to me—it’s something I can leave for my kids when I’m gone,” said Phyllis. “I’m so thankful to have been the first Habitat homeowner in Charlottesville, and to see how many other families have joined me. It’s been an amazing blessing, and it’s led to so many other blessings for our family.”