Clearwater Woman, Son Get Habitat for Humanity Home

Abby Kistler and her 17-year-old son, Carter, will move into a new Habitat for Humanity home in Clearwater, ending years of housing instability.

Kistler, a child welfare case manager at Youth & Family Advocates, has spent the past nine years supporting children and families. High rent payments consumed most of her income, forcing her and Carter to share homes with relatives in cramped conditions.

"There were times when I felt a lack of pride in our living spaces," Kistler said.

The Habitat home provides what Kistler sees as more than shelter: a chance to build equity, establish roots in the community, and create stability for Carter, a high school baseball player. Kistler earned her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary social sciences from the University of South Florida.

"We deserve a place to create lasting memories with family and friends," Kistler said.