Tampa Honda helps a single mother celebrate the purchase of her new home.

On a late spring day, an enthusiastic crowd of Habitat for Humanity supports gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Pricilla Pate family home.  The new home, built about a mile east of Busch Gardens, was sponsored by Tampa Honda.  Volunteers from Tampa Honda’s parent corporation, Williams Automotive Group, joined in partnership with the Pate family to construct the new 3 bedroom home.

Mike Speigl, Managing Partner of Tampa Honda and Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County board member spoke of the company’s commitment to the community.

Chloe Coney, District Director, Office of Congresswomen Kathy Castor, presented Ms. Pate with a flag that had been flown above the United States Capital Building in Washington, D.C.

Mary Hutton, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and chair of the Homeowner Services Committee presented the Pate family and Williams Automotive Group with symbolic hammers and commented on the shared bond that the hammers represent:

Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground – bridging theological differences by putting love into action.  While we acknowledge that we may disagree on many things, we agree that everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God’s love.  Habitat’s late founder, Miller Fuller, called this concept the “theology of the hammer”.  “The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd” exclaimed Fuller.  “God’s love leaves nobody out, and [our] love should not either.  This understanding drives ‘the theology of the hammer’ which empowers each of us to build together with our brothers and sisters who need affordable housing.

The dedication concluded with a home blessing from Reverend Jacqueline Johnson, Associate Minister, Beulah Baptist Institutional Church.

Celebrating with the crowd, Ms. Pate expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make the home possible.  “I would like to thank everyone who helped make my dream come true”.

Welcome Home Pate Family!