BLYTHEWOOD, SC (WACH) -- According to Habitat for Humanity officials, a ribbon cutting ceremony occurs every 21 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sunday afternoon, the Blythewood community experienced their first ever dedication when Alacia Hinson was given the keys to her new home.
Eight years ago, Hinson was in an accident that left her blind. At that time, she says she experienced a period of sadness. Then her faith kicked in and she began to realize she has a purpose in life and she says her faith motivated her to continue living. She was also determined to making her dream of owning a home become reality.
After cutting the ribbon on the steps of her new home, Hinson screamed in excitement. "I just feel absolutely ecstatic to be part of the community and it's a dream come true," she said.
Habitat for Humanity, the Blythewood community and Trinity United Methodist Church came together to build Hinson's house. It's the first home that the organization has built in Blythewood.
Hinson, an energized woman, is no stranger to hard work or to Habitat for Humanity. She's worked on several of their projects and gaining 500-hours of experience on those home and her own. "I've done everything from the foundation work to the flooring to, ah, of course they wouldn't let me on the roof and they wouldn't let me operate heavy equipment," Hinson said.
Hinson's new home comes equipped with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry area. It also has a talking thermostat to help keep her comfortable.
Terry Broom, the lead volunteer on Hinson's home, couldn't believe Hinson not only worked on her own home but several other Habitat homes. "Then you hear that she's hammered, nailed and painted and one all that. She's just a special person," Broom said.
Hinson says although the construction on the home is complete, she still has one thing left to do to make her house a home. "Paint on the walls! Even though I'm blind, I can still feel color so you know it's white and we want to put a little color and pizzazz it up a little bit. Then we're going to move the furniture in."