A dedicated single mom became a first-time homeowner thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge and Build Sponsor Catholic High School, but when Dominique arrived at her new home on September 12th, she was shocked to find Baton Rouge native, Catholic High alumnus and NFL great Warrick Dunn ’93, in the driveway, delivering a life-changing surprise in the form of a $5,000 down-payment assistance check and $10,000 worth of furnishings from Aaron’s!        

Over the past year, Catholic High School (CHS) students and faculty raised $84,500 towards the cost of the build for this home. On March 4th, CHS students, faculty and staff joined the Habitat for Humanity team to break ground on the fourth home the bears have built. During the following months, students and other members of the CHS community provided countless hours of volunteer support working alongside the new homeowner to make her dream a reality. 

Since 2014, Catholic High School has raised more than $184,000 for Habitat for Humanity, and more than 2,600 CHS students, faculty and staff have volunteered on Habitat builds in the past 20+ years. 

This morning's event will mark the 218^th Home Celebration nationwide by Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC). The former NFL star’s non-profit organization identifies single parents across the country and helps them achieve their goal of first-time homeownership as part of its “Homes for the Holidays” program. Additionally, WDC delivers financial support for the homeowner from sponsor and fellow CHS Alumnus, Ryan Jumonville ’91, and groceries to stock the pantry provided by Shoppers Value Foods.

Dominique is an administrative assistant for the Louisiana Workforce Commission, but more importantly, she is a single mom to an eight-year-old daughter, Miracle. Her path to home ownership was paved by Habitat’s financial wellbeing classes, which helped Dominique curb overspending and put her in a position to move her family from an apartment into their own home, providing peace of mind for their future.

We are thrilled to have been present to capture Dominique and Miracle Lynn's joy as they were greeted with these unexpected gifts, and to see her dream of homeownership become a reality.