More space for Talethia & Harold

Harold & Talethia Edwards have said yes to raising baby Raymond.  This is a story of a family who made room for one more and need our support.

To know Harold & Talethia Edwards is to know love.  Actively involved in the historic Bond Community, their home is filled with laughter, tears, joy and faith and the sounds of eight children, including baby Raymond, who has become part of the Edwards clan. 

Just Google Talethia Edwards and learn about what she contributes to our community.  How she's one of 25 Women to Know in Tallahassee.  How she helped secure a $6.4 million grant for the revitalization of the Bond Community.  How she's featured on First Cup, WFSU's Voices to Know and at conferences and workshops on poverty.  How she hosted her own TED talk.  How she volunteers her time with Second Harvest, and so many other organizations.  With all she has going on, she still finds time to check on people to be sure they are healthy and safe.  Superwoman has nothing on Talethia.

Just ask anyone who knows them what tremendous parents they are.  How their children are smart, talented, polite and helpful.  See them at the park with the boys throwing a football or four girls on a swing.  See them organizing a Community KickBall Tournament and playing too.

But everything involved with raising a large family comes with challenges, including appropriate housing.  Harold & Talethia are currently raising the children in a home with only four bedrooms.  The children, ranging in age from 14 to one year old, don't seem to mind; but as they get older, personal space is craved.  

We would like to honor the commitment of the Edwards family by renovating the house these children were brought home and nestled in the middle of their beloved Bond community.  Through the kindness of local architect firm, Architects:  Lewis + Whitlock, we are finalizing plans for the addition.  Mat Tharpe, owner of Tharpe Construction, is coordinating the cost estimate and will oversee construction and Antoine Wright of Big Bend Habitat for Humanity is involved in helping source suppliers for reduced cost labor and materials.

We are here to ask for everyone's help in funding the project; a true "Friendraising" to honor two very special members of our community.  We have secured a match for the first $5,000 raised.  We know we can do this, even in this time of uncertainty.  We are estimating the renovation {adding three more bedrooms and a bathroom} to be close to $100,000.  Money raised through this campaign will go directly to the renovation costs.  Any leftover proceeds will go directly to the Edwards family.

Let's raise this roof, one friend at a time.  Share this post with EVERYONE you know. And thank you for anything you can do to support Harold & Talethia {and Elijah, Haleigh, Haniah, Harley, Harper, Jermaine, Joshua, and Raymond.}


photos by Talethia Edwards