Former Buc gives family place to call "home"

BELLAIR BLUFFS (FOX 13) - A Pinellas County family now has a home to call their own. Tuesday, they were presented with the keys to a newly-remodeled unit by former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Shelton Quarles.

It's a fresh start for a family that's had a rough journey. Vivian Bell is a single mom. Her kids, Christopher and Ciera are in high school.

They sat quietly, both nervous and excited for the moment that would change their lives forever.

"I think you might have the right color on," Quarles commented about Bell's purple dress.

It was a small hint as to what awaited her inside her new home.

Quarles, who's also the Director of Football Operations for the Bucs stood with them outside Shepherd's Village in Belleair Bluffs. Just like you see on the show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," the group chanted those three words: "Move the truck! Move the truck!"

Finally, it was time to come home. The look on Bell's face said it all. "It's beautiful. Thank you," she said through tears.

Quarles' Impact Foundation completely transformed the unit. They tore out the cabinets, sinks, and carpets. "It just needed a little TLC and I think we were able to provide that," he said.

The organization focuses on single-parent families and at-risk kids. Quarles, himself, was raised by his mother, sharing a room with her until college.

"It makes you want to cry a little bit because you know this means a lot to her and it means a lot to us as well," Quarles told FOX 13.

"It's just a one of those special moments when you see the future open up to a family that was pretty desperate," said Phyllis Alderman, Director of Shepherd's Village

Christopher gets the sports room. Mom and Ciera share the purple room. "It's purple. My favorite color," Bell said.

"I love it," Ciera said. "I love the bed spread and stuff and just how nice it is."

From sleeping at the Salvation Army, to sleeping in their own beds, the words "thank you" barely describe the feeling.

"I would like to say to any single mom out there who is working really hard - don't give up," Bell said. "Keep pressing through, keep doing the best you can to raise your kids to the best of your ability. Allow God to guide you and he will bless your efforts."

This is the Impact Foundation's second Home Blitz. Once they're all settled, Vivian Bell says she and her family definitely plan to pay it forward.