ABC7 Pay It Forward: Single mom, who was recently homeless, wins $10K in furniture

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- A single Lancaster mother, who was recently homeless, won $10,000 in furniture as part of ABC7's 'Pay It Forward' series.

Stacey Hampton nominated her friend, Jawana Bowman, with a 23-second video.

Bowman recently moved into a Lancaster apartment with her four kids - but then became unemployed and wasn't able to properly furnish the place.

There's not enough mattresses for her children, the beds are broken and there are no lamps - just a night light.

"Holiday time is coming up, and you want children to feel like they actually have a home," said Hampton, of Granada Hills.

Before she knew she was the winner, Bowman was asked what it would mean to her if she did win.

"Everything - the greatest end of this year and beginning of next," Bowman said.

Bowman knew she was a finalist to win and gathered with her family for a big surprise live on the ABC7 Morning Show on Friday.

There were hugs, cheers and tears all around when Bowman found out she was the winner and accepted a furniture package valued at $10,000 from Mathis Brothers.

Bowman and her kids say this experience is life changing.

"I really, really appreciate everything that Stacey has done. She has been a big help. I'm happy to call her a friend. And thank you Chanel 7 and Mathis Brother so much, I really needed it," Bowman said.