Tampa mom gets new home for the holidays thanks to local HGTV stars and Habitat for Humanity

Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, a new Thanksgiving tradition is beginning at the Simmons family home this year. As usual, three generations of women — grandmother, mother and daughters — will prepare the meal together “from scratch and with love.” The menu will include all their favorite dishes: turkey, pot roast, honey ham, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, collard greens, asparagus casserole, yams and “Aunt Val’s homemade stuffing.” For dessert, homemade blueberry pie, lemon cake and tiramisu cake.

But this will be the first time that Lace Simmons hosts the holiday at a home that is hers. The single mother of two recently achieved her goal of home ownership with help from Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and two local celebrity home builders, Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, who documented the journey on their HGTV show, 100 Day Dream Home. Simmons is filled with gratitude as she reflects on her journey.

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?

Lace Simmons: One thing we’ve always been thankful for is each other. This year we have our new home to also be thankful for!

Why was it so important for you to be able to buy a home for your daughters, Kalynn (18) and Liana (20)?

Lace Simmons: My daughters mean everything to me, so for me, my home is something that is a part of a legacy I will leave behind for them. Their entire lives I’ve based my life around them and for them, to make sure they are happy and grow to be successful young women. Every decision I make, I know will affect them. Therefore, they are always the first thought in my mind in anything I do. Being their mom has absolutely shaped me into the woman I am today. I’m proud!

Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt partnered with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside to help you make this dream come true. What was it like to work with them and have the project be featured on HGTV?

Lace Simmons: Mika and Brian are great. Working with them was an exciting experience. They are fun, even funnier, down-to-earth and very passionate in what they do. It was such a pleasure. We were honored to work with them, but they seemed even more honored to work with us. It’s definitely a memory that was built and engraved into our home.

What was your reaction when you found out you were selected by Habitat? 

Lace Simmons: I was very honored. It was an emotional journey for me because I worked hard to get there, and I worked even harder to see it through to the end. Everyone that was a part of my journey will always have a special place in my heart.

How long did the whole process take?

Lace Simmons: The process moved along very quickly, from the time I was accepted into the program to the time my home was built. But that depends greatly upon your progression throughout the program, the courses you must complete, as well as saving and preparing for closing cost. It was a lot of work, but I was very determined, and it only took about eight months.

What would you like for people to know about Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and what they mean for our community?

Lace Simmons: Habitat showed me just how amazing people in the community are – how they come together and work together within the community to help build better lives for so many people. Working alongside volunteers really gave me a chance to see how much some people really care for others. That is truly heartwarming because it’s not something you see every day.

Originally published in the November 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.