A Home, A Community, A Future: Thank You to First National Bank of Mount Dora
At Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, we know it takes a community to build strength, stability, and self-reliance. Thanks to the generosity of First National Bank of Mount Dora (FNBMD), another family will soon have the opportunity to experience the pride and security of homeownership.
As a long-time partner of Habitat Lake-Sumter, First National Bank of Mount Dora continues to show up for our shared community. Since 2019, First National Bank of Mount Dora has joined Habitat Lake-Sumter in our mission to provide safe, affordable housing resources for families across Lake and Sumter counties.
Their support continues this October, as construction will begin on a brand-new Triplex unit in the Cottages at Heritage Grove neighborhood, a vibrant 55+ community featuring 23 affordable housing units. The neighborhood also includes 3 triplex units, the first of their kind from Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. First National Bank of Mount Dora is sponsoring a unit in our second-ever triplex, providing another family with the chance to achieve their dream of homeownership through Habitat’s Home Ownership Program.
Through the Home Ownership Program, Habitat Lake-Sumter builds and sells affordable homes to individuals and families in Lake and Sumter counties who demonstrate need, meet program guidelines, and can sustain a monthly mortgage. Through the program, Habitat Homeowners complete financial education courses and provide 200 hours of “sweat equity as Habitat Lake-Sumter walks alongside them to prep them for Home Ownership. Habitat Lake-Sumter assists these homeowners and insures that their mortages are affordable for their family.
While the homeowner will be chosen next year, the First National Bank of Mount Dora’s sponsorship starts now. Because of their generosity, not only another family will be accepted into the Home Ownership program find the affordable housing resource they need to thrive. First National Bank of Mount Dora’s support also creates an exciting opportunity for students in the Eustis High School Youth Construction Academy. New classes of students will spend time during the school week working side-by-side with Habitat’s construction staff and professional tradespeople on live construction projects, providing hands-on learning at our dedicated build sites. This practical experience helps students develop valuable skills in construction, problem-solving, and teamwork that they can carry into their future careers.
Construction will be ongoing throughout the school year, from September through May, giving students the chance to see projects develop from foundation to finished home. In May, the students and teachers will take part in a dedication ceremony, where the keys to the home will be handed to a family who has completed Habitat’s Home Ownership program. Ultimately, students graduate from the program career-ready and equipped to assist in providing multiple new homeownership opportunities for local families, creating a lasting impact both in their own lives and in the community.
From all of us at Habitat Lake-Sumter, thank you, First National Bank of Mount Dora, for making a life-changing difference for a family, inspiring students, and helping us continue building homes, communities, and hope. Together, we’re not just constructing houses—we’re building futures.