Meet Bernatta, a resilient single mother with two daughters, Nakiya, aged 17, and Timeia, aged 14. Bernatta’s journey began in a Habitat home in Manatee County, purchased by her parents in 1986, where she was raised alongside her siblings. From a young age, she was instilled with the values of securing a good job, buying a home, and saving for retirement.
Working in early childhood education, Bernatta faced the challenges of raising two young daughters alone. She relied on public assistance to provide for their basic needs. After eight years with Head Start, she decided to further her education, earning an Associate degree to become a teacher assistant in the Manatee County Public Schools.
Her daughters were her inspiration, constantly motivating her to strive for a home of their own, especially after spending 12 years in the same apartment, sharing a bunk bed. Despite the longing, Bernatta never had the heart to tell her daughters that buying a home was beyond their financial reach.
Determined to improve their situation, Bernatta returned to school and in 2022, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Now a certified ESE teacher in the Manatee County School Board, she still found herself priced out of the housing market, as home prices had soared to over $500,000.
However, hope came through a friend who spotted an announcement on Facebook: Manatee Habitat was accepting applications. Encouraged by her youngest daughter’s words, “Apply, mommy, let them tell you no,” Bernatta applied, went through the interview process, and was accepted.