MSU, Habitat for Humanity dedicate 15th Maroon Edition home
Mississippi State officials, Starkville Habitat for Humanity representatives and community members gathered Wednesday [Nov. 6] in rural Oktibbeha County for the 15th Maroon Edition Habitat home dedication. Pictured from left to right are Starkville Habitat Executive Director Amanda Henry; Starkville Habitat Board President Alyssa McKinley; Habitat home recipients Rico Coleman and Twana Hubbard; MSU Director of Student Leadership and Community Engagement Kathy Jones; and Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs
It’s been more than a year since the groundbreaking of Twana Hubbard’s Habitat home -- still, she can hardly believe it’s happening.
“This is so overwhelming. I get choked up every time I walk up to this house,” she said. “I’m so thankful; I’m just thankful they chose me.”
Mississippi State representatives and Starkville Habitat for Humanity officials gathered off 16th Section Road last Wednesday [Nov. 6] to dedicate the nearly completed home. Hubbard, a Starkville High School cafeteria worker who is a caretaker for her brother, Rico Coleman, will have the keys to their new home by Christmas.
Regina Hyatt, MSU vice president for student affairs, celebrated the occasion and congratulated the family on behalf of the university and MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life,” she said. “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 complete, Hubbard’s home will be the third Habitat house constructed in Kelly Estates, a former 11-acre dairy farm. In the coming years, area volunteers -- including many MSU staff and students -- will transform the site into a 30-home Habitat community.
During the dedication, Hubbard received a homeowner welcome basket with a tool bag, safe, homeowner handbook and other necessities. She and Coleman also received a quilt made by Starkville resident Dot Livingston, who used T-shirts donated by Habitat volunteers.
Hubbard was moved to tears throughout the dedication and said she and Coleman are ready for the day they receive their keys.
“It feels good, and I thank the Lord. I can’t wait to move in,” she said. “I thank Mississippi State so much. I thank everybody so much: Habitat, all the volunteers -- just everyone.”
Alyssa McKinley, Starkville Habitat Board president, highlighted Hubbard, Coleman and the community’s commitment during the construction process.
“Today is a testament to the power of community, hard work and faith,” she said. “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 accompanied by MSU Director of Student Leadership and Community Engagement Kathy Jones and Starkville Habitat Executive Director Amanda Henry during the ceremony.
“May this home be a place of happiness and health: of contentment, generosity and hope -- a home of creativity and kindness,” Hyatt said. “May those who visit and those who live here know only blessings and peace.”
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.
Mary Pollitz | Public Affairs
