Former Bucs running back Warrick Dunn gives helping hand to single moms

Two single Sarasota moms got a huge surprise recently when they took ownership of their Habitat for Humanity homes on June 25, thanks to former Tampa Bay Bucs star Warrick Dunn. 

Dunn is the founder of Warrick Dunn Charities, which helps single-parent families with home furnishings and down payment assistance. 

When the moms, Shaquana and Alla, took possession of their houses, they discovered the homes had been completely furnished, truly turning a house into a home.

Courtesy image

Dunn was on hand to show the two families that their homes were not only furnished, but pantries and supply closets were fully stocked. 

“This is not what they expected,” Dunn said, noting the women didn’t seem to know who the former NFL running back was. 

His organization uses volunteers and donations to furnish and decorate every room and stock the pantry with food. They can also provide a down payment assistance check as a surprise for the new homeowner, according to his website.

Dunn said his goal is to help break the cycle of generational poverty by providing a hand-up – not a handout – to single parents and their children. 

“They’re saying ‘I don’t deserve this,'” Dunn said after meeting the two Sarasota families. “No, You have done your part. You do deserve it.”