The Tensley Family’s Story
For Octivia Tensley, home is not just a place—it’s the heart of her family. Originally from Perry, Florida, Octivia has called Alachua County home since 1987. A dedicated mother, proud grandmother, and compassionate caregiver, Octivia is now one step closer to achieving her dream of a forever home through Alachua Habitat for Humanity.
A Licensed Practical Nurse at the VA, Octivia has spent her career caring for others, grounded by her passion for health and service. She studied at First Coast Technical College and Ultimate Medical Academy, earning an Associate’s degree in Health and Human Services. Her professional journey continues to evolve, as she dreams of becoming a Registered Nurse and transitioning into a role in case management, working from home.
Beyond her career, Octivia finds joy in life’s simple pleasures: sewing, crafting, and watching sports. Family is the
cornerstone of her life, and she cherishes time spent with her loved ones—her grandchildren, relatives, and extended family. Her two grandchildren, a 16-year-old granddaughter and an 11-year-old grandson, will be living in the new home with her, filling it with energy, laughter, and love. Her home is often filled with warmth during family gatherings, where they enjoy playing games, cooking out, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
Each of Octivia’s five children brings their own personality to the mix: a strong-willed daughter, a fun-loving youngest son, and a son who proudly assumes the role of “the boss.” Her boys are sports enthusiasts, while her daughters are talented with hair and makeup. Their shared bond is evident in the laughter, support, and resilience that define their family life. When asked why she applied to the Habitat program, Octivia spoke from the heart: “I applied for safety issues and needing a forever home for myself and my grandkids.” Her current housing situation has been marked by high costs and limited space. The promise of a safe, stable, and affordable home represents more than just shelter—it is a new chapter in their family legacy.
The moment Octivia learned her application had been approved, she was overwhelmed with joy. “I was overjoyed and screamed for joy. Happy, happy, happy,” she recalled. Since then, her experience with Habitat has been filled with purpose and community spirit, especially volunteering on other Habitat homes and connecting with fellow future homeowners. Octivia looks forward to the space, peace, and comfort her new home will bring. She imagines her favorite rooms—the kitchen decorated with cheerful red apples and her cozy bedroom—as places of rest and renewal. But more than that, she envisions her new home as a symbol of generational wealth, a lasting gift for her grandchildren.
When asked to describe what homeownership means to her, Octivia chose three powerful words: joy,
peace, and love. These are not just aspirations—they are the values she is building into the very walls of her
new home.
Celebrating the Tensley Home Dedication
Explore photos from the Tensley Home Dedication and the incredible community celebration that marked a new chapter for the Tensley family.
Celebrating the Tensley Home Dedication
The Tensley Home Dedication was more than the presentation of a new set of keys—it was a celebration of hope, community, and the incredible impact that happens when people come together to change lives.
This home represents the generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who believe that every family deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Because of your support, another deserving family has begun a new chapter filled with opportunity and possibility.
We are especially grateful to our presenting home sponsors, Comfort Keepers Gainesville, led by Bryan and Julie Burns along with Rob, whose steadfast partnership over the past two years has helped make our affordable housing mission a reality. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Stellar Cares (Stellar MLS) and the Gainesville Street Rods, whose commitment to Pepine Gives continues to leave a lasting impact. Their generous purchase of Corporate Legacy Bricks for the Tensley family home will forever symbolize their investment in this family's future.
Thank you to our dedicated Pepine Gives Board of Directors, Village Circle Advisory Group, volunteers, and the entire Pepine Gives team for your leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to serving families throughout our community. A special thank you to our founder, Betsy Pepine, whose vision continues to inspire others to make a difference.
As you browse the photo gallery above, we hope you'll see more than smiles and celebrations—you'll see what is possible when a community unites around a shared purpose. Together, we are building more than homes. We are building hope, strengthening families, and creating brighter futures for generations to come.
Welcome home, Tensley family. ❤️
The Tensley Family Home
Every home begins with a single shovel in the ground—and a community that believes in the power of hope.
The Golden Shovel Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Tensley Family Home marked the exciting beginning of Pepine Gives' third sponsored home, celebrating the start of a life-changing journey toward homeownership.
Golden Shovel
Groundbreaking
Community Hope
Golden Shovel Groundbreaking Ceremony — The Tensley Family Home
Every home begins with a single shovel in the ground—and a community that believes in the power of hope.
The Golden Shovel Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Tensley Family Home marked the exciting beginning of Pepine Gives' third sponsored home, celebrating the start of a life-changing journey toward homeownership. Surrounded by community leaders, partners, volunteers, and supporters, we gathered to commemorate more than the start of construction—we celebrated the promise of a brighter future for the Tensley family.
This home is made possible through the collaborative partnership of Pepine Gives, Alachua Habitat for Humanity, and the City of Gainesville. Together, Habitat for Humanity builds the home, the City provides the land, and Pepine Gives sponsors the home while delivering holistic wraparound support through our PATH (Prosperity Achieved Through Healthy Housing) Program, empowering families with the resources they need to achieve lasting stability and independence.
Held during the week of Independence Day, this groundbreaking carried an even deeper meaning. It served as a reminder that the freedom of homeownership—a safe, stable place to raise a family, build memories, and create opportunities—is one of the greatest freedoms a family can experience.
As you browse the photos below, you'll see the smiles, celebration, and community spirit that made this day so special. Every golden shovel lifted represented the collective commitment of a village coming together to help one family move from surviving to thriving.
This was more than a groundbreaking—it was the foundation of hope, opportunity, and a future filled with possibility.
Golden Shovel Photo Highlights
Project Documents
The Tensley Family story and groundbreaking program are now gathered here with the home dedication and Golden Shovel ceremony, keeping the family’s full journey together in one place.
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