A year ago, Bradenton woman did a good deed. Her new home is the perfect reward
Demetrius “Mimi” Williams recently achieved home ownership for the first time at age 61.
Ownership came after a stretch in prison, the offer of a job from Goodwill and a remarkable good deed.
Last year, Williams found $12,270 in a pile of donated items at a Goodwill Bargain Barn, and promptly turned the cash over so that it could be returned to the donor family.
Recently, with the assistance of Goodwill’s Homebuyers Club program and Community Solutions 360, Williams purchased and moved into a new home in Bradenton, just in time for the holidays.
Until then, she had been raising three of her grandchildren in a small, run-down, two-bedroom home in Sarasota.
“I was like, wow, all tears. This is mine! It is so amazing to get out of your car, walk to your front door, and think how blessed I am to get a home,” Williams said Thursday. “It’s been a dream for about 10 years now. It’s so different than being in an apartment — or homeless.”
For her first Christmas in the new home, she plans to cook Christmas dinner and invite family members and some friends over.
When Williams was released from prison, she had a difficult time getting back on her feet, even living in her car for a while.
She regrets that she made a mistake that placed her behind bars, but says she has paid her debt to society, and wanted to move on as a good citizen.
About five years ago, Goodwill gave her a job and a second chance. Williams distinguished herself as an exemplary employee and earned a Role Model Worker badge.
Her GoodPartner coach at Goodwill, Diana Oliveri, says Williams is always positive and smiling, and follows through on her job.
“She is not a yes person. She will tell you what she thinks, and make suggestions in a positive way,” Oliveri said. “There are a lot of things we learn from her. I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t like her.”
Two years ago, Williams approached Oliveri about joining Goodwill’s Homebuyer Club.
Williams took the coaching to heart and went to work on improving her credit score, and learned how to set and follow a budget.
Olivieri praised Williams’ determination.
“Home ownership is not for everyone — participants need to think about this and make an informed decision,” Olivieri said. “From day one, Mimi knew she wanted a house and did exactly what she needed to do in order to pay off all of her bills. She is a positive example to others. It has been a pleasure working with her and I’m sure she will enjoy her house for many years to come!”
Once Williams had proven herself, Laura Carter at Community Solutions 360 went to work. Solutions 360 is an organization that works with local municipalities and secures financial assistance through state and federal grants to help those with economic barriers to achieve the dream of home ownership.
Finding the right property for Williams took about a year. Carter ended up securing a plot that had been vacant since 1991 from Manatee County. As Community Solutions 360 is a HUD approved counseling agency, it does one-on-one housing counseling and presents an eight-hour education class for prospective homeowners. Once these are completed, the prospective homeowner is eligible for down payment assistance. Williams received $30,000 toward her house down payment.
Williams closed on her home on Nov. 18. She moved in later that day with the assistance of her grandchildren and a handful of active duty Marines. One her grandchildren has committed to joining the Marines upon his graduation from high school in the spring.
Carter is enthused about the family’s prospects.
“Her desire to be in the house is monumental. She is committed 200 percent and she is going to succeed. Plus, she has a base around her for support. She’s got Team Goodwill plus Community Solutions 360 to ensure she succeeds,” Carter said.
For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org. For more about Community Solutions 360, go to mycommunitysolutions360.org.-
