Friends, family members, representatives of Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity and the family of LaShonda Chatman gathered to celebrate the dedication of the family’s home in Farmville Saturday.

The home was renovated as a joint effort between the family and Habitat.

Undergoing a program called “Sweat Equity,” the family completes a certain amount of hours volunteering with Habitat as a requirement for partnering with the organization.

“This is a long time coming,” Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Alanna Rivera said during the dedication.

“I’ve seen her go above and beyond for so many people, and even give her last to her own detriment, to be able to help other people,” Rivera said about Chatman.

Rivera noted that she and the organization put a request on Facebook for volunteers to help Chatman fulfill her volunteer hours.

The response to the social media request, Rivera said, was overwhelming.

Rivera noted following the ceremony that Chatman and the volunteer had tripled the number of volunteer hours needed.

Rivera noted that Chatman donated the excess hours to a family who is building a home in Cumberland, in addition to a previous home that had been dedicated in Charlotte County.

“It just became a ripple effect of goodness,” Rivera said, “ and I’m hoping that that’s what we’re able to start again here today.”

Gloria Evans, Chatman’s mother, said she encouraged her to not become discouraged.

“You don’t give up,” Evans recalled telling Chatman. “Don’t allow the devil to steal your joy. Don’t allow the devil to steal what God has for you.”

She began singing a message, “What God has for me, it is for me. And I know without a doubt, that he would surely bring me out,” as the audience responded with encouragement.

Evans and Chatman are members of Voices for Christ, a choir that has performed for approximately 20 years. The group performed selections during the dedication.

Chatman became emotional during the dedication, thanking the volunteers, Habitat, family and neighbors for their support.

“I wanted to thank each of you for being here today,” Chatman said. About Habitat, she noted they were able to work things out when there seemed to be little hope about the home.

“They have just been wonderful,” Chatman said. “I’m so thankful and so grateful to have my own, and my children have their own rooms and their own space.”

She cited Evans and her aunt, Arlene Robertson, as her “biggest motivators” through the process.

Minister Annie Clay gave Chatman and her two sons, Terell and Amaja’, oil to anoint the home as a symbol of God’s presence and blessing on the home.

Chatman, with her sons by her side, cut the ribbon at the home.

Following the dedication, participants were given a tour of the home by Chatman and her family, and they enjoyed a reception with lunch.