Starkville Celebrates the Dedication of a New Habitat Home
Heartwarming Ceremony Marks a New Beginning for Twana Hubbard
STARKVILLE — There’s something truly magical happening on 16th Section Road in Starkville, and it’s all centered around a very special new home! After more than a year since the groundbreaking, the excitement is palpable as the community comes together to celebrate Twana Hubbard’s soon-to-be new digs. With tears of joy brimming in her eyes, Twana expressed, “This is so overwhelming! I get choked up every time I walk up to this house. I’m so thankful; I’m just thankful they chose me.”
On a beautiful Wednesday, Mississippi State University representatives, alongside officials from Starkville Habitat for Humanity, gathered to officially dedicate this nearly completed home. Twana, a dedicated cafeteria worker at Starkville High School and a caretaker for her brother, Rico Coleman, is about to step into a new world—she’ll hold the keys to her new home just in time for Christmas!
A Bright Future Ahead
During the ceremony, Regina Hyatt, the vice president for student affairs at MSU, beamed with pride as she congratulated Twana and Rico on this exciting milestone. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life!” she announced enthusiastically. “This house isn’t just a building. It’s a place where memories will be made, where dreams will grow and where your family’s future will unfold.”
Once Twana and Rico settle into their beautiful new home, it will be the third Habitat house in Kelly Estates, a site that was once an 11-acre dairy farm. In the coming years, this space will be transformed into a vibrant community with 30 Habitat homes, a project that promises to bring countless smiles and hope to many families.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
As part of the special dedication, Twana received a thoughtful homeowner welcome basket filled with essential items like a tool bag, safe, and homeowner handbook. Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Starkville resident Dot Livingston gifted Twana and Rico a beautiful quilt made from T-shirts donated by Habitat volunteers. Talk about community love!
Twana was visibly moved throughout the ceremony, and with heartfelt gratitude, she shared, “It feels good, and I thank the Lord. I can’t wait to move in! I thank Mississippi State so much. I thank everybody so much: Habitat, all the volunteers – just everyone.”
A Testament to Hard Work and Resilience
Alyssa McKinley, president of the Starkville Habitat Board, took a moment to highlight not only Twana’s determination but also the support from the community during the building process. “Today is a testament to the power of community, hard work and faith,” she declared. “Both of you have shown incredible resilience and determination throughout this journey. This is a community that believes in you and stands with you, and we hope this home brings you joy, comfort and peace.”
Hyatt and McKinley were joined by MSU Director of Student Leadership and Community Engagement Kathy Jones and Starkville Habitat Executive Director Amanda Henry, their presence underscoring the unity and support surrounding this wonderful event. “May this home be a place of happiness and health: of contentment, generosity and hope – a home of creativity and kindness,” Hyatt concluded with warmth. “May those who visit and those who live here know only blessings and peace.”
As the sun set over Starkville, the air was filled with hope and excitement for Twana and Rico as they prepare to move into their new home. It’s these heartwarming moments that remind us of the power of community and the importance of creating a space where families can thrive and flourish together.
