Burger King pitches in to fix up Habitat home

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The finishing touches are being added on Habitat For Humanity's latest project.

The organization is known for building homeowner's dreams, and now, Habitat is partnering with a fast food giant to spruce things up.

Paint, sweat and tears have been put into this project, and now, a South Florida house is back to looking like a home. Jose Tomas from

Burger King said, "We're gonna make Mrs. McCoy's house beautiful. Paint, prime, make sure her landscaping looks awesome."

And with each stroke, Helen McCoy sees the big picture. "I love it even with the prime on it," she said. "The primer makes a big difference, so imagine the real McCoy, which is me, on top of it."

Habitat For Humanity is traditionally known for building and providing low income housing for families. With some help from Burger King, it is on a makeover mission in Liberty City.

Mario Artecona, CEO of Habitat For Humanity of Greater Miami, said, "This is a little different in that we are reaching out to non Habitat families who do own their homes but for whatever reason haven't been able to spend the money to fix their houses, families."

"Well, this is a change for our executives," said Tomas, "shifting away from our flame broilers in our restaurants and instead getting a little bit of elbow grease with a paint brush, out here."

McCoy is just one of up to a dozen homeowners who will get a fresh coat of primer and paint to spruce up their property. It is part of the "Brush With Kindness" program. "Go around the community to find homeowners who need a little help in sprucing up their homes," said Artecona.

The change offers a fresh start to the future, and, at this moment, it's all about Mrs. McCoy and her new view. "I might sit outside for a week and just keep staring ... just look and say, thank you, Lord Jesus."

Workers have already finished the final coat of paint on Mrs. McCoy's home, and she cannot take her eyes off of it.

If you would like to volunteer with Habitat For Humanity in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, visit the websites linked above.

7News is a proud sponsor of Habitat For Humanity.

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