Nationwide — Steven and Angelina Jacobs, an African American couple from Waterbury, Connecticut, who joined HGTV reality show Battle on the Beach Season 5, revealed they were homeless during filming of the renovation competition in South Carolina. They balanced work, family responsibilities, and unstable housing conditions throughout production.
According to People, the couple made their HGTV debut when Battle on the Beach Season 5 premiered on June 1. They joined Sarah Baeumler’s team as part of the beachfront renovation competition filmed in South Carolina.
During filming, Angelina Jacobs told The Hour that the couple faced serious financial strain and did not have a permanent home. She said they stayed on her brother’s couch, kept their belongings in a U-Haul truck, and continued traveling back and forth for work while keeping their situation private.
Despite their circumstances, they kept competing in the renovation challenges. After winning the first challenge, they earned a $3,000 cash prize and later opened up about what they were going through.
“This win is very important because we’ve been going through our own situation, you know, from sleeping on other people’s couches,” Angelina said during the episode. “This money would literally help us be more comfortable.”
Steven Jacobs also reflected on the moment during filming. “This opportunity…” he said, before trailing off as Angelina added, “one in a million. We need to keep this winning momentum going.”
After filming ended, the couple still did not have permanent housing for about a month. They later moved into an apartment in Waterbury with their four children.
The show follows three teams competing over seven weeks to renovate beachfront vacation properties. Contestants work with a $100,000 renovation budget and compete for a $50,000 grand prize while guided by mentors including HGTV personalities and design experts.