Empowering Communities: The Lasting Impact of Habitat for Humanity’s Cost of Home Campaign

 

By: Volunteer Writer Katrina Machetta 

Community-driven. Inclusive and impactful. Empowerment through homeownership. These are some of the ways Habitat for Humanity’s Cost of Home Campaign has been described.  

The Cost of Home Campaign was a 5-year advocacy initiative led by Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) that lasted from 2019-2024. The goal of this campaign was to influence policies that would increase access to affordable homes as a response to escalating housing challenges. Through Cost of Home, Habitat organizations across the nation supported more than 400 policies and improved access to affordable housing for over 9.5 million people across the United States.  

As part of this campaign, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter established an advocacy committee and planned impactful strategies to invest in their community’s future. The strategies included education about the reality of the cost of home in Lake and Sumter Counties*, collaborating with community leaders, and visiting with elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. 

(Read our “What does affordable housing mean?” article to learn more). 

“This initiative allowed us to collectively harness our message with many others around the nation in one unified voice, to raise awareness around the needed changes in our housing systems,” Danielle Stroud, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter said. 

The overall goal of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter was to elevate the conversation around housing challenges and present sustainable and pragmatic solutions to officials of all levels of government and collaboratively work with them to make these solutions come to fruition to enhance the housing situation for all.  

Through specific and measurable economic, social, and legislative targets, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter was able to accomplish significant wins for the community, such as hosting highly-attended educational classes about homeownership, planning volunteer days on Habitat projects with local elected officials, and collaborating with other Habitat chapters, lobbyists, and state officials to expedite affordable housing projects, obtain funding for critical home repairs, and address concerns around lot sizes. 

“The Cost of Home Campaign connects real people in our community that are facing housing challenges with decision makers that have an opportunity to create change through policy and local investment,” Stroud said. 

This campaign included the Habitat Lake-Sumter staff, donors, elected officials, community leaders, local volunteers, housing advocates, homebuyers, and more, creating a truly community-wide effort to help advance affordable housing policy and accessibility of resources.  

The Cost of Home Campaign exceeded expectations and created a momentum that didn’t stop in 2024. Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter has recently transitioned to a permanent advocacy effort called Habitat Voices in Action which plans to bounce off the passion and impact started with the Cost of Home Campaign, which will continue to create opportunities for much-needed affordable housing in Lake-Sumter, and across the nation.  

You can learn more about Habitat Lake-Sumter’s State and Federal priorities here.

Contact Lacie Himes at Lacie@HabitatLS.org or 352-483-0434 x 146 to get involved.  

Meet Maachiah: An Americorps Member Working with Habitat

 

At Habitat Lake-Sumter, it takes a dedicated team to make an impact, and AmeriCorps Member Maachiah has become an integral part of that team in just a few short months.

Maachiah came to Habitat Lake-Sumter last September as part of the Habitat AmeriCorps program. Serving as Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Outreach Coordinator, Maachiah has become the heart of our community outreach efforts, connecting with volunteers and homeowners and organizing events like the Spruce Up the Block Party. 

With a background that spans from payroll apprenticeships to economic development internships—and now, working toward a degree in Material Sciences and Engineering—her path is one of growth, service, and purpose.

We sat down with Maachiah to talk about why she joined AmeriCorps, her favorite Habitat moments, and what’s next for her after her Habitat experience.

(Conversation has been edited for length, grammar, and clarity). 

Q: What inspired you to join AmeriCorps and work with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter? 

A: Simply put, I was looking for a change and a new start, and the opportunity presented itself. I was a Shift Leader at Culvers in Lakeland, and I was tired of the work environment, and I felt unfulfilled. The job position was sent to all the students at my college. I knew I was ready to move away from Lakeland and wanted to take in-person classes, so this opportunity was perfect.  

Q. Can you share a little about your background and what led you to this role? 

A: I have only been a part of the workforce for 4 and half years, but I’ve had some notable jobs or internships that have led me to this role. I was a payroll apprentice for Lockheed Martin; I was training to take the American Payroll Association exam while helping with general payroll tasks and I worked remotely after school every day from 1-5. I was also the assistant to the COO of the Central Florida Development Council for a summer. I assisted her with designated tasks and met with companies who were seeking to develop in Central Florida. I worked here, Lockheed and at Culvers at the same time the summer before my senior year.  

Q: What’s one thing people might not know about you? 

A: I say I am from Lakeland, but I was born and raised in Blytheville, Arkansas. I moved to Florida 9 years ago in 2016 with my family.   

Q: You’ve taken on some amazing projects—what has been your favorite so far and why?   

A: My favorite project so far has been organizing Habitat Lake-Sumter’s activity for the Amazing Race for Charity, which is coming up on March 29th. Lacie, our Director of Development, first introduced the idea to me back in November. I was tasked with creating a challenge for it, and the entire process has been a rollercoaster. From uncertainties to changing aspects of the game, it has been worth it. I cannot wait to see all the pieces fall together. 

Q: How do you hope your work with Habitat will make a lasting impact on the community? 

A: I hope that the work I do will reach those who need it the most. That is the lasting impact I’d want to make as the Community Outreach Coordinator.  

Q: What are your future career aspirations, and how has this experience shaped them? 

A: My future career aspirations are to become a Product Development Engineer or a Material Process Engineer. This experience has shaped my aspirations by swaying me toward a more community-centered job. Originally, I wanted to work for Lockheed Martin as an engineer this time, or work for a fashion house and design products for them. Now, I’m exploring other avenues; for example, as a Material Science engineer, I would work closely with environmentalists and prevent further environmental damage while producing products, helping make our environment safer and healthier for everyone.  

Q: If you could describe your Habitat experience in three words, what would it be? 

A: Challenging, Welcoming, Informative. 

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received since starting this role? 

A: The best advice I received since starting this role is to make at least 2-3 connections to follow up with at all events and meetings I attend. Having this goal in mind when I’m out in the community helps me make lasting, meaningful connections with the people in our community. 

We’re so proud to have Maachiah as part of our team, and we can’t wait to see how her journey with Habitat continues to shape her future and our community!

 

Spruce Up The Block Party & Make Twice The Impact with Romac Building Supply

Whether you attend our Spruce Up the Block Party or have your generosity doubled thanks to RoMac Building Supply, you can show your support for our amazing Youth Construction Academy students this March! 

 

On March 29th, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is hosting the Spruce Up the Block Party—a day dedicated to celebrating the revitalization of 15 homes by our Youth Construction Academy and showcasing the power of community.

 What: The Spruce Up the Block Party

When:  Saturday, March 29th from 12 PM to 2 PM

Where: Corrine Williams Park – 2141 Woodland Blvd, Leesburg, FL 34748

Join us to see firsthand how Habitat, volunteers, and community partners work together to make a lasting difference.

Want to lend a hand? We are also offering a special volunteer opportunity before the Block Party. Join us from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM to help us continue to “spruce up” the Woodland Park Neighborhood. Contact Carlos at carlos@habitatls.org to reserve your spot!

This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of local advocate and supporter, Commissioner Barry, and the generosity of Florida Paints, who donated over 200 gallons of paint to bring this vision to life. Their commitment to giving back is helping to brighten homes and hearts in Woodland Park.

Also playing a key role in this project is the Leesburg Youth Construction Academy. These high school students are getting hands-on experience in construction by working on-site three times a week. From exterior home repairs to painting and landscaping, they’re gaining real-world skills that will prepare them for future careers—all while making a direct impact in their own community.

 

You can support our Youth Construction Academy Students today! Thanks to RoMac Building Supply, every dollar donated to the Youth Construction Academy this month will be matched—up to $20,000. That means the generosity of supporters like you goes twice as far in equipping students with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to build brighter futures. 

Click here to learn how your donation can be matched this March, thanks to the generosity of RoMac Building Supply!

And don’t forget to RSVP to Spruce Up The Block Party to Maachiah at Maachiah@habitatLS.org

Let’s make this a meaningful March!

Mark Your Calendars: Women Build Kickoff Party is March 20th!

 

Get ready to build more than just a home—build community, strength, and a lasting impact!

The Women Build Kickoff Party is happening on March 20th, and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of this incredible journey with you.

Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, Women Build is all about coming together, rolling up our sleeves, and helping families achieve their dream of homeownership.

No construction experience? No worries! Women Build is for everyone who wants to make a difference—because every nail, every wall, and every helping hand helps create a brighter future for a family in need.

But for now, SAVE THE DATE—March 20th—this is an event you won’t want to miss! Stay tuned for details on time and location.

Let’s build something amazing, together.

P.S. Want to join Women Build? Register Now and be part of something amazing!

 

Meet the Turners: A Resilient Habitat Family

 

Kelly Turner shares her family’s heartfelt journey to homeownership—a long-time dream that is finally coming true. . .

“Hello – we are Troy and Kelly Turner. We have five children, Jordan (15), Jonathan (11), Moriah (6), Grace (5), and Luke (2).

Troy was raised in Wildwood, Florida, and I (Kelly) was raised in multiple places with the longest being in Oxford, Florida. We are family-oriented and love to do things outside with the kids.

I am so excited to have an acre for the kids to explore! Being the first person in my family to become a homeowner, I’ve never had a place that was mine. We’ve been extended renters at our current home for 9 years, but we had two children when we moved in, and we have certainly outgrown the space!

Troy Turner comes from a long line of Florida-natives. He’s strong, supportive, and can fix just about anything. Troy is an amazing dad and has been hands-on since day one. He is stern, yet compassionate and keeps our children in line.

I (Kelly Turner) am the sensitive one who can cry at the drop of a hat (looking at you, cute puppy video!). I enjoy nature and serving others.

We have been avid volunteers at our home church, Frontier Church, for over seven years now. We lead the children’s ministry department and Troy also plays in the band. Jordan serves in the Tech Team and Jonathan helps set-up the classrooms each week. Troy owns and operates a full-service lawn care company, and I own a consulting firm that specializes in
land development permitting.

I heard about the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership program and immediately became curious. I was able to join the Financial Literacy Course last spring and sign up for the newsletter. We had been interested in buying a home for quite some time, but it seemed so out of reach. Once the applications opened, I jumped on the opportunity to apply. I prayed about it and gave it to God. We heard back some time later and weren’t sure if we could meet all of the requirements.

The kind people at Habitat of Lake-Sumter never gave up on us and worked diligently with us to overcome all of the challenges we faced. Being business owners, the approval process was more involved than with the typical applicant. When we finally received the “Your Approved!” phone call, I was in shock at first (I’m one who doesn’t like to get my hopes up) but cried and jumped up and down when it finally hit that this is real!

One of our Turner family traditions is having game night each Friday night. I cannot wait for our first Friday night game night in our new home!!

Jordan is most excited about finally having his own room. He joked that he can finally display his Legos instead of taking them apart and boxing them up after the build (2 year olds and Legos don’t mix). Jonathan can’t wait to have another dog. We have one sweetie (Shelby) that we found near death a few years ago, but our current yard is not big enough for another.

Moriah and Grace can’t wait to make cookies in our new home. Luke just says “Yay!” but I’m sure he will be happy to move into the bottom bunk and give up his toddler bed. Troy is excited to finally have land to eventually build a workshop for his business.

We are all overjoyed with this opportunity!”

Habitat Lake-Sumter Calls On Florida Congressional Members To Take Action On The Affordable Housing Crisis 

February 9, 2025 Courtesy of The South Lake Tablet.

Habitat for Humanity dedicates memorial for Jimmy Carter

February 3, 2025 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Chasity Boatman, Daily Sun Staff Writer.

After he left the White House in 1981, the most prevalent image of former President Jimmy Carter was wearing a tool belt, holding a hammer or drill and building homes alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers, something he did until 2020.

To read the full story from the The Villages Daily Sun, click here.

Habitat Lake-Sumter has a new partnership with Vann Gannaway Chevrolet

January 27, 2025 Courtesy of Triangle Sun. 

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter has a new partnership with Vann Gannaway Chevrolet. Through this new venture, the Tavares dealership is working with Habitat Lake-Sumter and sponsoring construction of a new homein the Tavares 55-plus pocket neighborhood, The Cottages at Heritage Grove, a planned unit development with 23 affordable housing units ranging in size from 680 730 sq. ft. Volunteers began construction on the home Jan. 21.

To read the full story from the Triangle Sun, click here.

Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter Advocates in D.C.

 

At Habitat Lake-Sumter, we believe that safe, affordable homeownership changes lives—and that’s why we advocate for it at the local, state, and federal levels.

This week, we’re taking those advocacy efforts to Washington, D.C., for Habitat on the Hill, Habitat for Humanity’s annual event where volunteers, homeowners, and supporters come together to champion housing policies that make a difference.

Our CEO, Danielle Stroud, and Director of Development, Lacie Himes are joining 400+ advocates to make sure our community’s voice is heard. See what they had to share about their time in our nation’s Capitol below!

Day 1: Welcome to D.C.

Day 2: Conference Day

Day 2 kicked-off with sessions on how Habitat affiliates across the country are working to advance housing policies—both at the state level and nationwide. Our team also took a deep dive into Habitat for Humanity International’s (HFHI) national policy platform, which outlines key priorities to help more families achieve homeownership.

Later in the day, we met with other Florida Habitat affiliates to prepare for upcoming meetings with legislators. These moments of collaboration are what make Habitat Voices in Action so powerful—by working together, we amplify our impact and ensure that our communities’ needs are heard.

At Habitat, we know that building homes isn’t just about construction—it’s about creating pathways to homeownership that last for generations. This year’s Habitat Voices in Action theme reminds us that when we advocate together, we strengthen our ability to create real, lasting change.

Together, we are working to:

✅ Increase the supply of affordable homeownership opportunities

✅ Ensure equitable access to homeownership

✅ Improve homeownership resilience for families

After a full day of learning, networking, and preparing to meet with lawmakers, the team wrapped things up with an unexpected but fun twist—a snowball fight! ❄️ It was a lighthearted way to close out a busy day and recharge for the important work ahead.

Framed memorial wall honors late President Jimmy Carter

January 22, 2025 Courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel. Compiled by Orlando Sentinel Staff.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will erect a memorial framed wall to pay tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter and welcomes the public to sign the wall and leave personal messages. The event begins at 10 am. Jan. 30 at its Eustis Restore, 710 S. Bay St.

To read the full story from the Orlando Sentinel, click here.

 

 

 

Jimmy Carter: Advocate For Humanity

5 Ways to Achieve Your New Years Resolutions with Habitat Lake-Sumter

Thankful For New Beginnings: Meet Audrey Richards

HFHLS mourns the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Habitat Wrapped 2024

 

What an Amazing Year – 2024 in Review! 

As 2025 approaches (so close!), we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together this year. Thanks to your support, 2024 has been a year of transformation and growth, and we are excited to share our successes!

16 New Homes Built: We’re proud to have built brand-new, affordable homes for 16 families this year—more than double the number from last fiscal year!

21 Homes Preserved: Through our Preservation and Repair Program, your support helped provide critical repairs for 21 families, ensuring their homes are safe and livable for years to come.

Over 37,363 Volunteer Hours: Volunteers dedicated countless hours, including 8 Youth Impact Days, to help support our mission. We saw incredible involvement from the youth of Lake and Sumter counties!

Youth Construction Academy: 63 students gained hands-on construction experience, graduating OSHA-certified and career-ready. Many of them are already employed by program sponsors, launching promising careers in construction!

Fundraising Success: Our event, Jingle Build-Off, raised over $2,000 in donations through the playhouse voting process. Thanks to 22 local sponsors and families for making this event a huge success!

Advocacy Efforts: Our team had the honor of advocating for affordable housing policies in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., working towards long-term solutions that will have a lasting impact.

What a year! We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without you, our incredible supporters. Together, we’ve made real, lasting change, and we’re looking forward to what 2025 holds!

See the full Habitat Wrapped 2024 report here.

Double the Impact: Match with Citizens First Bank

 

Citizens First Bank has long been a champion of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, and this matching program is their way of encouraging others to step up and support our mission.

The last matching campaign raised $102,550, which went directly into funding new home construction, critical home repairs, and all the other the affordable housing resources and education efforts that Habitat provides to families across Lake and Sumter Counties.

When you give this December during the Citizens First Bank Match, your generosity will extend just as far in helping the families we serve thrive. 

Your kindness this holiday season goes even farther in supporting families right in your backyard, like the Otto and Hunter families, who relied on Habitat Lake-Sumter to help them secure a home.

This holiday season, it’s not just about giving; it’s about making your gift count.

Giving this December maximizes the impact of your donations, and helps us sustain our efforts to provide safe and decent housing to all throughout the new year.

Don’t wait! The deadline to have your donation matched is December 31st at midnight! 

Make your donation today and see how your support can go twice as far in changing lives for the better.

Together, let’s make this a December to remember!

Click here to see how you can give today!

 

Jingle Build-Off Wrap-Up

 

This year’s Jingle Build-Off included 22 local sponsors and 22 families totally in love with their brand-new playhouses!

The event brought together the spirit of community, creativity, and holiday joy as local businesses teamed up with families to build custom-designed playhouses, all with the goal of bringing smiles to the faces of deserving children.

Jingle Build-Off included local sponsors, skilled builders, and 22 excited families from the surrounding areas. These families were selected based on their need for a safe, creative space for their children, and the playhouses were custom designed around the interests of the children.

Local sponsors, from construction companies to design firms and community organizations, played a key role in supporting the event and to help bring the dream playhouses to life. The event was broken into three key days, each offering a unique experience for everyone involved.

The first day, Thursday, December 5, was Media & Build Day in Tavares. It was a day dedicated to bringing attention to the project and showcasing the incredible teamwork involved. Local media outlets were on hand to cover the event, highlighting the efforts of the sponsors.

The second day, Friday, December 6, marked the Wildwood Family Reveal Day. It was a heartwarming moment as the first group of families in Wildwood gathered to see their new playhouses for the first time. Each playhouse was a unique design, ranging from an ice cream shop castle to a Titanic ship, ensuring that each child’s dream playhouse came to life.

The final day, Saturday, December 7, was the Tavares Family Reveal Day. This was the grand finale of the Jingle Build-Off, where the remaining families had the opportunity to unveil their playhouses. Surrounded by family, friends, and the local community, the children were filled with awe as they saw their new playhouses, which had been tailored to fit their interests and imaginations.

The Jingle Build-Off was a resounding success, thanks to the generosity of the local sponsors, the tireless efforts of the builders, and the enthusiasm of the families. The event raised over $50,000 total to fund Habitat Lake-Sumter’s mission. We are so thankful as the event not only brought joy to 22 local children but also strengthened the bonds of the community, proving that when people come together, anything is possible.

 

Honoring a Legacy of Compassion and Service – Slider

Honoring a Legacy of Compassion and Service

Learn about how Habitat’s  is recognizing Jimmy Carter and his decades of dedication through our  Carter Work Project. 

Learn More

From Homelessness to Hope: A Veterans Story

 

 

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month.

In November, we honor the men and women who’ve served our country by giving back to those who need it most. At Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, we’re proud to support veterans and their families through our Veterans Housing Initiative. This program provides veterans with access to safe, affordable housing and critical home repairs that ensure they have the stability and security they deserve.

Take the story of Mr. Burtt, a disabled, retired Navy veteran from the Lake-Sumter area. After facing homelessness, Mr. Burtt found a $500 mobile home, but it required significant repairs. He reached out to Habitat Lake-Sumter for help, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation project. This included new siding, a new hot water heater, and over $17,000 in repairs to finish the interior of his home, turning it into a safe and comfortable space for Mr. Burtt to call home.

Your support of our Veterans Housing Initiative does more than provide housing—it creates lasting change, offering hope and stability to veterans and their families in Lake and Sumter Counties. Together, we’re rebuilding lives and building communities.

This Month: Veterans Housing Initiative

 

Approximately 1.4 million veterans are at risk of homelessness due to high housing costs and low incomes (source: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans). This November, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is seeking to serve our community’s heroes and help provide veterans with access to safe, affordable housing through our Veterans Housing Initiative.

Through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Veterans Housing Initiative, you can ensure our veterans are a priority of those we serve by providing homes, community, and hope to U.S. Veterans, military service members, and their families.

Through our Veterans Housing Initiative, we are also able to partner with other organizations that provide services for veterans. Last year, we partnered with Homes For Veterans, who helped us completely revitalize Vietnam Veteran John Prescott’s home to make it safe and accessible for him to navigate. 

Because of the continued generosity and support of our community, we can serve our community’s veterans and provide them with the dignity our veterans deserve.

 

Jingle Build-Off Volunteers Needed!

 

Do you want to spread holiday cheer and be part of a wonderful cause? Join us as a volunteer for our annual Jingle Build-Off event this December! This festive event brings the community together to create joyful experiences for families in need, and we need your help to make it a success.

Volunteers will play a crucial role in various activities, including assisting with construction, running supplies to teams, helping with crowd control, answering questions, and providing additional event support. Whether you’re handy with tools or just eager to lend a helping hand, there’s a place for you at Jingle Build-Off.

Volunteers are needed from 7 AM until 4 PM at Wooten Park in Tavares  on Thursday, December 5th and Saturday, December 7th. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, give back to the community, and make a meaningful difference this holiday season.

To volunteer for Jingle Build-Off, contact our Volunteer Service Manager Carlos at carlos@habitatls.org, or at (352) 483-0434. 

Save the Date: Giving Week begins December 2nd!

 

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled to announce that we are once again participating in the Mount Dora Community Trust’s Giving Week Matching Grant Contest. Giving Week starts Monday, December 2nd, so be sure to save the date!

What is Giving Week? Giving Week is an annual community fundraising event hosted by the Mount Dora Community Trust, a longtime partner of Habitat Lake-Sumter. During Giving Week, local nonprofits like Habitat Lake-Sumter compete for matching funds from MDCT, helping donors double their dollars and double their impacts to their community during the holiday season.

Giving Week occurs annually around Giving Tuesday, a global initiative that aims to “unleash the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world,” an encourages folks to give back to their communities at the start of the holiday season. 

In total, the Mount Dora Community Trust will be giving away $100,000 of matching funds. Be sure to check our Facebook page on December 2nd to see how Habitat Lake-Sumter is participating in this year’s competition! 

Keep an eye out, and come back on December 2nd to see how Habitat Lake-Sumter is making a meaningful difference this Giving Week!

Groundbreakings Recap

In the last two months, our organization has experienced an exciting surge of growth with a total of four groundbreakings and one ribbon cutting! It’s been a whirlwind of activity, and we can’t wait to see the development of five new homes and the joy they will bring to future homeowners.

The four recent groundbreakings mark a significant collaboration between the Youth Construction Academy of Leesburg High School, Eustis High School, and The Villages Charter School. Students from these schools will be directly involved in constructing these homes, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry. This opportunity not only equips them with essential skills but also prepares them for future careers in construction, setting them up for success in the real world.

August 16th: The Villages Charter School Youth Construction Academy and sponsor Citizens First Bank hosted their groundbreaking at 303 S Pine St ,Bushnell FL. It was a great turnout and lots of fun!

September 5th: Leesburg High School Youth Construction Academy and sponsor Romac Building Supply hosted their groundbreaking at the Leesburg High auditorium. The high school band and energetic cheerleaders made the event one of a kind.

September 10th: Eustis High School Youth Construction Academy and sponsor First National Bank of Mount Dora hosted their groundbreaking at 1270 Cottage Circle, Tavares FL. The other Habitat neighbors were honored as the first participants moving into the community.

September 12th: The Villages Charter School Youth Construction Academy and sponsor Romac Distribution hosted their groundbreaking at 305 S. Pine St, Bushnell FL. The groundbreaking featured a wall raising to celebrate the beginning of construction!

September 23rd: New Covenant United Methodist Church hosted their ribbon cutting at 10244 CR 229, Oxford FL with an intimate group and prayers for the future home and family.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We invite you to join us for the next upcoming groundbreaking ceremony, in partnership with The Villages Club and Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The ceremony has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton, but keep and eye on this page, as well as our social media, for updates on date and time. The ceremony will take place at 10244 CR 229, Oxford, FL 34484. Stay tuned to our social media for updates! If you would like to RSVP for this special event, please contact Katy at Katy@HabitatLS.org.”

We look forward to celebrating these milestones with the community and seeing the positive impact these new homes will have on the families who will call them home.

Spruce Up The Block: Woodland Park

A remarkable transformation is underway in the Woodland Park neighborhood in Leesburg. 15 homes are receiving a much-needed revitalization through our Spruce Up The Block Party. Many of these homes are generational treasures, passed down through families, and now they are being refreshed to preserve their legacy and enhance the neighborhood’s charm.

Revitalization Efforts: The project involves updates through landscaping, painting, and minor exterior repairs, all aimed at rejuvenating these beloved homes. Over the course of the program, the visual improvements—including vibrant new paint and lush landscaping—are set to enhance the overall aesthetic of Woodland Park, making it a more inviting place for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Florida Paints, we’re excited to bring this vision to life!

“The Woodland Park Spruce Up the Block Party may be one of my favorite projects we will work on all year,” states Veronica, the Programs Director at Habitat for Humanity Lake Sumter. “It brings so many different people together. We have great vendors and material donors, great volunteers – largely made up of students from the Leesburg Construction Academy, and great community members who are getting involved! It gives this community the opportunity to participate as a WHOLE – to help inspire neighbors to participate and get involved with the improvement of their community!”

Empowering the Next Generation: The revitalization work is in part being carried out by the Leesburg Youth Construction Academy, where 12 dedicated students are honing their skills three times a week. This hands-on experience provides them with valuable training in various areas, from gardening to painting techniques. Not only are they contributing to their community, but they are also gaining practical skills that will empower them in future projects.

Dave Horgan, Programs Director of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, shares “This is the first Spruce Up the Block Party that I’ve been involved in. It is great to see the community’s pride in Woodland Park. It has been amazing to see the Leesburg High School Construction Academy, volunteers, sponsors, staff, local government, and all involved come together to make this beautification of Woodland Park possible.”

Stay tuned for updates on the Spruce Up The Block initiative, and join us in celebrating the revitalization of Woodland Park!

Do You Want to Build a Playhouse? Jingle Build-Off 2024 Sponsorship

Are you ready to unleash your creativity and give back to the community this holiday season? Join us for Jingle Build-Off 2024, where local businesses and individuals come together for a fun-filled day of building, teamwork, and friendly competition!

Why Sponsor or Build?

• Community Impact: Your participation directly benefits children and families in our area, providing them with a safe and imaginative space to play. Additionally, funds raised during the event go directly to helping build real affordable housing across Lake and Sumter Counties
• Bragging Rights: Showcase your skills and creativity! The best playhouse will earn its builder some serious bragging rights and recognition in our community.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow sponsors and builders, creating lasting relationships with our community, all while making a difference.

Event Highlights:

• Prizes and Recognition: The winning team will receive an award and special recognition during our closing ceremony.
• Family Fun: Bring your family along! Enjoy food, activities, and entertainment for all ages.

How to Get Involved:

• Sponsor a Playhouse: Help us provide materials and support for the build. Your business will be prominently featured at the event!
• Build a Playhouse: Gather your team and sign up to build! No construction experience required—just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!

Join Us! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to make a difference and have fun while doing it. Sign up today to be a sponsor or builder, and let’s create something amazing together!

Date & Location:

On Site: Dec 7 from 9AM – 3 PM

Off Site: Location and Date of your choice!

For more information on Playhouse Build Sponsorship, you can view this year’s sponsorship information here. You can also visit the Jingle Build-Off 2024 webpage here: https://habitatls.org/jingle-build-off-2024/

Be part of something special—your playhouse could spark a child’s imagination for years to come!

Shop or Treat: A Special Halloween Sale Event

Join us for a spooktacular shopping experience at our Eustis and Leesburg ReStore locations during our inaugural Shop or Treat Halloween sale event!

Sale Details:

• Discounts: Enjoy discounts ranging from 5% to 30% off your purchases! Your final price will be determined by picking an eyeball at checkout in Eustis or embarking on a spooky scavenger hunt for hidden eyeballs in Leesburg. (Discounts exclude paints and mattresses.)

Fun Activities:

• Free Candy: Indulge in sweet treats while you shop!
• Photo Booths: Capture your Halloween spirit with friends and family.
• Costumes: We encourage everyone to dress up! Show off your creative side!

Special Attractions at Each Location:

• Leesburg ReStore: Step into our spooky haunted house filled with frights, and check out our living, breathing spooky wall!
• Eustis ReStore: Pick your own eyeball at checkout for an instant discount!

Date & Time: Join us on October 30^th from 4-6 pm.

 Don’t miss this chance for thrills, chills, and great savings!

Bring your friends and family for a Halloween celebration filled with fun, treats, and fantastic deals. We can’t wait to see your costumes and share the excitement with you!

P.S. Interested in helping make this Halloween great for our families? Volunteer for our event! We’re looking for volunteer support to help pass out candy, guide the flow of traffic, and help with set up and and clean up. For more information on volunteering for Shop or Treat, please reach out to Carlos at (352) 901-0675. 

 

VHS students get to work on 2nd Habitat home of the year

September 14, 2024 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Garrett Shiflet, Daily Sun Staff Writer.

With the sun just peeking over the horizon, 15 students from The Villages High School already were swinging hammers.

The VHS Construction Management Academy held a wall-raising ceremony Thursday in Bushnell in its most recent partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.

It is the second home the academy is building this year through the Habitat partnership.

“The families are the core of everything that we do,” said Danielle Stroud, president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “Habitat simply comes up alongside them and helps them take the next step to obtain home ownership.”

To read the full story from the The Villages Daily Sun, click here.

Leesburg High and Habitat for Humanity Celebrate Newest Youth Construction Academy “Dream Team”

September 5, 2024 Courtesy of Lake and Sumter Style. Written by Gina Horan.

About one-hundred students, faculty and guests gathered in the Leesburg High campus auditorium to celebrate the 2024/25 Youth Construction Academy’s eleven member “Dream Team.” In-attendance were Principal Michael Randolph, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter CEO Danielle Stroud, Lake County School Superintendent Diane Kornegay, school board member Tyler Brandenburg and RoMac CEO Don Magruder.

Accompanied by the marching band, cheer team and spirit squad, Principal Randolph started off the celebration in his usual positive manner with a few words of wisdom.

“You have a legacy and standard to uphold,” he said from the lectern. “We are proud of you as you embark on building your sixth house!” 

To read the full story from Lake and Sumter Style, click here.

Leesburg High’s Construction Academy to Construct New Home in Coleman

September 4, 2024 Courtesy of Lake and Sumter Style. Written by Kyle Coppola.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, in collaboration with Leesburg High School, is set to begin construction on a new home in Coleman, Florida, as part of their ongoing Youth Construction Academy initiative. This year’s project will be launched with a special celebration for the students at Leesburg High School.

The Youth Construction Academy, now in its sixth year of partnership with Leesburg High School, provides students with hands-on experience in building a home from the ground up. This year’s home build is proudly sponsored by RoMac Building Supply, a key community partner.

Construction on the new home will take place throughout the school year, from September to May. Upon completion, a dedication ceremony will be held in May, where the keys to the newly built home will be presented to a family who has successfully completed Habitat’s Home Ownership program. This program not only provides students with career-ready skills but also supports local families in achieving the dream of homeownership.

To read the full story from Lake and Sumter Style, click here.

September Groundbreakings

 

We are excited to announce that we are breaking ground on four new homes this month! We are partnering up with three local schools and three local sponsors to kick off some exciting new construction projects through our Youth Construction Academy. The fourth project is a new home being built in partnership with New Covenant United Methodist Church. We’d love to see you at one of the celebrations. Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us! 

Groundbreaking Celebrations

Leesburg High School Construction Academy  *IMPORTANT CHANGE*

• Date: Thursday, September 5th
• Event Start: 8:00 AM
• Location: Leesburg High Campus Auditorium
• What to Bring: ID to Enter School

 

Eustis High School Construction Academy

• Date: Tuesday, September 10th
• Event Start: 8:00 AM
• Location: 1270 Cottage Circle, Tavares

 

The Villages Charter School Construction Academy

• Date: Thursday, September 12th
• Event Start: 8:00 AM
• Location: 305 S. Pine St, Bushnell

 

Classes of students will spend time during the school week working side-by-side with Habitat’s construction staff and professional tradesmen on live construction projects, providing hands-on learning at our dedicated build sites.

Construction will be ongoing during the school year from September through May. In May, the students and teachers will be included in a dedication ceremony where the keys to the house will be handed to a family in need that has completed Habitat’s Home Ownership program. Ultimately, students will graduate from the program career-ready, having assisted in providing new homeownership opportunities for local families.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration

New Covenant United Methodist Church

• Date: Monday, September 23rd
• Event Start: 9:00 AM
• Location: 10244 CR 229, Oxford, FL 

 

Since 2006, New Covenant United Methodist Church has had a special interest in providing community assistance that focuses on construction, repairs, and family support in the Wildwood and Lady Lake area. A partnership has been formed between Habitat Lake-Sumter and New Covenant United Methodist Church to continue to provide this type of aid to families in Sumter County.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and New Covenant United Methodist Church will work side-by-side to complete construction on a home for a family who has been selected through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Home Ownership program.

Continue Your Education Online with Habitat Lake-Sumter and ed2go

 

Ed2go is an online learning platform utilized by major universities across the country, and they’re partnering with Habitat Lake-Sumter to help provide our community with access to a wealth of continued education resources.

The best part? Habitat Lake-Sumter receives a portion of the proceeds for every course taken. This means that by choosing ed2go for online learning, you’re not only investing in quality education but also contributing to a cause that helps build stronger, more vibrant communities.

Explore ed2go’s offerings today and make a positive impact with every course you complete. Together, we can continue to support education and affordable housing initiatives.

Ed2go offers two comprehensive education platforms designed to cater to various interests and levels of expertise:

 

Deadline Approaching – Apply for your Playhouse Today!

 

Habitat Lake-Sumter wants to remind you that applications are open for our FREE playhouse giveaway this holiday season! Applications are closing soon, so be sure to submit yours today! 

In December, we’ll be hosting our sixth annual Jingle Build-Off, where teams will build unique and charming playhouses. These specially crafted playhouses will be given away free of charge to deserving families.

Apply by September 30th for a chance to receive one of these wonderful playhouses. For more information, or to submit your application, please contact Hannah at 352-483-0434 ext 114 or email Hannah@Habitatls.org.

We’re excited to bring festive joy and make special memories for families in our community this holiday season!

Click here to download the application.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Erika Acosta

 

Meet Erika Acosta, the Dispatch Manager at Habitat Lake-Sumter. She plays a crucial role in coordinating drivers and ensuring the timely pickup of ReStore donations across Lake and Sumter Counties. With nine years of dedicated service to Habitat, Erika is essential in keeping the donation process running smoothly and efficiently. 

Erika’s favorite aspect of her job is the joy she derives from helping others. She finds immense satisfaction in knowing that her work directly contributes to improving the lives of individuals and families in need. Erika attributes her long tenure to the positive and supportive work environment fostered by Habitat Lake-Sumter. She deeply values the encouraging atmosphere that makes every day at work fulfilling. Among her cherished work memories are the fun-filled staff outings and team-building events, which she believes are instrumental in strengthening relationships and fostering a strong sense of community within the team.

What keeps Erika motivated and inspired daily is the genuine satisfaction she feels from making people happy and contributing to a meaningful cause. She firmly believes that Habitat is an exceptional place to work or volunteer and wouldn’t change a thing about it. 

Outside of her professional life, Erika enjoys cooking and indulging in some retail therapy. Her birria tacos are particularly renowned among friends and family for their exceptional taste, showcasing her noteworthy culinary skills. The person who has had the most significant influence on her life is her husband, whose constant encouragement and support are captured in his motivating motto for her: “JUST DO IT.”

If you have items you’d like to donate, don’t hesitate to reach out to Erika at 352-589-3005. She’s eager to assist and ensure that your donation process is as smooth as possible while continuing to contribute to the impactful mission of Habitat Lake-Sumter.

Students Break Ground For 2 Habitat Houses

August 25, 2024 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Garrett Shiflet, Daily Sun Staff Writer.

The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy is embarking on its biggest year yet. The academy, which is building homes for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter and has a new partnership with Building Homes for Heroes, held groundbreaking ceremonies for its first two homes — one on Aug. 16 in Bushnell and one Aug. 23 in Lake Panasoffkee. The Habitat groundbreaking saw public officials and students participate in the kickoff.

To read the full story from The Villages Daily Sun, click here.

ed2go slider

Education with an Impact

Habitat Lake-Sumter is partnering with online education provider ed2go to bring high-quality continuing education courses to our community. The best part? Habitat receives a portion of the proceeds from every course taken.  

Learn More

What Does Affordable Housing Mean?

 

Simply put, it means a buyer can handle the mortgage payment with enough margin left in the budget for other necessities (food, transportation, etc.). HUD* explains it this way: “Housing that is affordable is generally defined as housing a household can afford spending no more than 30% of their income.” A quick way to simplify the calculation is to use three times gross income, as seen in the chart below.

That’s important, because housing is being developed across Lake County at a breath-taking rate. Can the people working here afford to buy one of these new homes? Below is some useful data for discussing affordable housing in Lake County.

 

March ‘24 Median Sold Price for a home: $ 399,999**

To be ‘affordable’ this would require a salary of: $ 133,333

The March ’24 Median advertised Salary in Lake County: $ 40,576**

This median advertised salary is short this much: $ 92,757

 

Can people afford to live here? 

Here‘s a chart showing what HUD’s definition of affordable looks like at various income levels. It assumes 2080 paid hours–a 40 hour workweek, 52 weeks per year. It‘s important to note: ‘Affordable’ is a BUDGET term and not a CONSTRUCTION term, it simply refers to the payment relative to the buyer’s income.

What do you think?

What do you think? With these numbers, can we recruit/retain teachers, firefighters, nurses, HVAC techs, and other jobs that a vibrant economy needs if those employees can’t afford to live here?  While buyers could lower their mortgage via a significant down payment, is that realistic based on this data? 

 

What is the solution?

By clarifying the definition of ‘affordable’ and asking, ‘Affordable for who?’ we hope that conversations on this topic, whether with elected officials, constituents or with developers proposing a new project, will lead to real solutions that make homeownership possible for those who make our communities possible.

 

A flyer version of this information is available here.

 

*https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/affordable_housing_barriers 

**Median Sold Price and Median Advertised Salary are from Elevate Lake’s Economic Indicators Q1 Ending March 2024

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

 

Florida’s 2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is here! From now until August 11, you can take advantage of tax-exempt savings on a variety of qualifying items at our ReStores.

This is a great opportunity to stock up on:

• Clothing
• Footwear
• Backpacks
• School supplies
• Learning aids
• Personal computers and computer-related accessories

 

Make the most of this holiday to prepare for a successful school year while enjoying savings. Happy shopping!

Eustis ReStore 

Phone: (352) 483-0410 

Address: 710 S Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

Hours: 

Leesburg ReStore

Phone: (352) 728-6366 

Address: 200 N Lone Oak Dr, Leesburg, FL 34748

Hours: 

Playhouse Applications Are Now Open!

 

 

Habitat Lake-Sumter is excited to announce that applications are now open for our FREE playhouse giveaway this holiday season!

In December, we’ll be hosting our much-anticipated Jingle Build-Off event, where teams will build unique and delightful playhouses. These specially crafted playhouses will be given away free of charge to deserving families.

Apply by September 30th for a chance to receive one of these charming playhouses. For more information, please contact Hannah at 352-483-0434 ext 114 or email Hannah@Habitatls.org.

We look forward to spreading holiday cheer and creating joyful moments for families in our community!

Applications Open for September Financial Education

 

**UPDATED: Applications for the course are now closed. **

Ready to start your financial journey to homeownership? Join us for an exciting 6-week financial education course starting September 12th and ending October 17!

*This is NOT an application for our Home Ownership program. This application is ONLY for our 6-Week Financial Education Course

In this course, you’ll explore:

• Budgeting and Money Management
• Savings
• Fraud Protection
• Credit Management
• Debt Management
• Homebuying Basics (with additional information about Habitat’s Home Ownership program)

 

This is a fantastic opportunity to build valuable financial skills and gain knowledge that can make a real difference in your life.

For more information regarding the course, check out our flyer.

Have questions about our educational opportunities? Contact us at 352-483-0434 or programs@habitatls.org for more information. 

Ramp project builds bond between charities

July 25, 2024 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer

Lana Young has a hard time holding back her emotions lately whenever she talks to Sally Read. Young is the coordinator of Twice Blessed Clothing Cottage, a nonprofit in Wildwood that gives out free clothing. The cottage is in the middle of getting a makeover. 

Thanks to volunteers with Villagers Habitat for Humanity Club, the nonprofit will have a new ramp to allow easier access.

“All I can say is thank you and talk about how grateful I am,” Young said. “It’s something you don’t realize how much of a difference it will make until you see it.”

To read the full story from the Triangle Sun, click here.

Fall 6-Week Financial Education Course

Coming Soon: Fall 6-Week Financial Education Course

 

This fall, in partnership with Seacoast Bank, Habitat Lake-Sumter will be hosting a 6-week financial education course. Course subjects include Budgeting and Money Management, Savings, Fraud Protection, Credit Management, Debt Management, and Homebuying Basics, with additional information about Habitat’s Home Ownership program. 

If you wish to take the financial education course, the course application will be on our website on Monday, August 12th. The course will be held online and begins in September. If you attend all classes, you’ll receive a certification of completion. You can provide the certificate to Habitat staff when applying for the homeownership program so they know you would make a great top candidate for a Habitat home. If you are approved for a home within two years of taking this course, we will also credit your time spent on the course towards your required sweat equity! 

Ready to Start Your Journey to Homeownership?

Join Habitat Lake-Sumter for our FREE financial education program in partnership with financial expert/educator, Jo-El Gonzalez with Seacoast Bank. 

Classes will be held online from 6-7 pm

• September 12th
• September 19th
• September 26th
• October 3rd
• October 10th
• October 17th (class will be held in person, refreshments provided)

 

Candidates wishing to apply for the course must meet certain requirements:

• Must either live or work in Lake or Sumter Counties
• Must be available to attend ALL class dates and times listed
• Must be willing to partner with Habitat Lake-Sumter and commit to the work requested for the course

 

All classes must be attended to receive your certificate of completion.

Please note: Completing the course is not an approval for Habitat’s Homeownership Program. It is an opportunity for members of the community to learn steps you can take to achieve your goal of homeownership.

Keep an eye on our newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram to be notified when applications for the education course go live! 

Have questions about our educational opportunities? Contact us at 352-483-0434 or info@habitatls.org for more information. 

LHS students to build two homes per year for HFH

July 11, 2024 Courtesy of Leesburg-News.com. Written by David Towns, journalist. 

This week, Leesburg commissioners reviewed zoning and plan changes for property to be developed by Habitat for Humanity.

The 2.4 acre parcel is located north of Hill Street and east of Penn Street. The property had been zoned Highway Commercial and the Planning and Zoning recommendation was that the property be zoned as City of Leesburg SPUD (Small Planned Unit Development). If the Penn Street Zoning is granted after the public hearing on the ordinance changes scheduled for July 22, the SPUD will be designated as the Penn Street Habitat SPUD and will have eight lots.

The Penn Street Habitat project will be constructed with the aid of the Leesburg High School’s Youth Construction Academy program. The 2.4 acre parcel had been donated to the Lake-Sumter Habitat for Humanity chapter two years ago.

To read the full story from Leesburg-News.com, click here.

Coming Soon: Fall 6-Week Financial Education Course

Coming Soon: Fall 6-Week Financial Education Course

This fall, in partnership with Seacoast Bank, Habitat Lake-Sumter will be hosting a 6-week financial education course. Course subjects include Budgeting and Money Management, Savings, Fraud Protection, Credit Management, Debt Management, and Homebuying Basics, with additional information about Habitat’s Home Ownership program. 

The course will be held online and begins in September. If you attend all classes, you’ll receive a certification of completion. You can provide the certificate to Habitat staff when applying for the homeownership program so they know you would make a great top candidate for a Habitat home. If you are approved for a home within two years of taking this course, we will also credit your time spent on the course towards your required sweat equity! 

Keep an eye on our newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram to be notified when applications for the education course go live! 

Have questions about our educational opportunities? Contact us at 352-483-0434 or info@habitatls.org for more information. 

 

Expert in the ReStore Days

 

Have Questions? We’ve got answers. 

Sometimes, the hardest part of finding affordable housing resources is knowing where to look. That’s why we’re hosting Expert in the ReStore Days.

During Expert in the ReStore Days, you’ll have a chance to meet members of our Programs Team, learn more about Habitat’s programs and education opportunities, and ask questions about how you can access our housing and repair resources.

One of our Programs experts will be in your local ReStore to talk about all of these opportunities, including how you can apply for our housing, repair, and educational programs.

Expert in the ReStore Days 

Eustis ReStore – July 17th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Leesburg ReStore – July 24th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

*Be sure to note the date and location of our Expert in the ReStore Days. Can’t make it in person? Our Programs team is happy to chat at programs@habitatls.org or (352) 483-0434.

Dionna Alston: From Habitat Homebuyer to Community Leader

 

At Habitat Lake-Sumter, we often talk about the life-changing impact that safe, stable housing has on a homebuyer’s future. For homebuyer Dionna Alston, the stability that has come from owning her own home has allowed her to develop a passion for advocacy and a drive to pay it forward. Now a newly appointed Habitat Lake-Sumter board member, Dionna hopes to use her experience to help change the lives of homebuyers just like her.

“I just wanted to give them a better opportunity,” recalls Dionna Alston. A Habitat homebuyer and single mother and grandmother to three children, Dionna explains why she chose to uproot her family from their hometown and make the move to central Florida over a decade ago.

After years of renting at unsustainable rates, she recognized her family’s need for a more permanent housing solution. “I always prayed that one day I could stop renting and obtain my own home. Renting had become more and more expensive throughout the years, and it was not always the best experience. It was time to step out on faith to reach my goal of home ownership,” Dionna recalls.

Applying for the Homeownership program in 2022 felt like a longshot, Dionna explains.

“I applied with great anticipation, but with some trepidation. Surely, I wouldn’t meet the qualifications, but I definitely had to try.”

Her effort and faith paid off, and Dionna was accepted into the Homeownership Program. The journey to homeownership was a transformative one, and by the time she closed on her home in the spring of 2023, Dionna had discovered a drive to become the kind of community advocate that had supported her through the homeownership process.

“I want to be a voice for homeowners,” she explains.

Over the past year, Dionna has truly become that voice. She brought her experience to Tallahassee last January, where a group from Habitat Lake-Sumter had the chance to chat with local elected officials about policies that help provide and protect affordable housing. It was during this trip that Dionna’s passion for affordable housing, as well as her long-enduring goal to set a good example for her family and her community, began to shine through.

When approached to become a board member for Habitat Lake-Sumter, Dionna saw an opportunity to deepen her involvement not only with the organization, but with a community that has given her so much. “Habitat has been a godsend for me and my family,” she explains. Now, alongside other dedicated leaders, she hopes to inspire, encourage, and support future homebuyers just like her.

“I want to inspire others and make a difference,” she says. As the first Habitat homebuyer on the board, she plans to utilize her unique perspective and firsthand experience to provide insight to the board’s decisions.

Dionna’s story is a reminder that through perseverance and community support, we can build brighter futures, one home at a time. She explains that she’s thrilled about the future possibilities of learning from the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of her fellow board members. “I want to serve to the best of my ability” she says.

As she prepares to take on this new role, Dionna reflects on Habitat’s role in her story, and how transformative affordable housing initiatives and community support can be in someone’s life.

“I encourage everyone to support such a great organization that’s making a difference in the lives of so many people who otherwise wouldn’t have these opportunities.”

Sponsor of the Month: Publix Super Markets Charities

If you’re familiar with Publix Super Markets, you know that community is at the heart of all they do. While in store they strive to “make shopping a pleasure,” Publix Super Markets Charities makes a continual effort to give back to the neighborhoods that Publix serves.

Since 2015, Publix Super Markets Charities has been a proud supporter of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s mission to provide everyone with a decent place to live. Publix began their partnership with Habitat Lake-Sumter by funding 25-45 Preservation and Repair projects annually. Over the years, their generous giving and volunteer support helped complete critical home repairs for families across Lake and Sumter Counties, repairs like water pumps to provide clean water and wheelchair ramps and other accessibility modifications. Publix’s hands on support has significantly impacted the success of the Preservation and Repair program, and has allowed it to grow year after year into the thriving program it is today.

Publix ramped up their support in 2023, increasing their charitable giving from $35,000 to $50,000 to help fund the construction of a brand-new home in Eustis, Fl, completely changing the life of Habitat Homebuyer Katy Black.

By being the lead house sponsor, Publix Super Markets Charities provided single-mom, Katy and her son Chase, a decent and affordable place to live. Katy, a first-time homeowner, never thought this could be a reality for her and her son, but Publix helped fulfill her dream of homeownership. Katy now lives closer to work, which will lessen her travel expenses significantly. Owning an affordable home provided Katy and her son the financial freedom they needed to thrive.

“When I found out that owning a home wasn’t out of my reach, that it was obtainable for me at that point after working on and fixing my credit, I could see that I am going to be able to move my kids to a place that is safe and stable,” explains Katy.

After seeing the impact their gift had on the Black family, Publix Super Markets Charities once again decided to increase their support, and this year have become the signature sponsor for a new home in our Cottages at Heritage Grove neighborhood in Tavares. Their $150,000 gift covers the cost of construction, but Publix hasn’t stopped there. Throughout the month of June, Publix hosted four dedicated volunteer days, where Publix team members spent time out on site helping to further construction on our Cottages neighborhood. Volunteers on site helped secure trusses and install siding, working hard in the Florida heat. Their dedication and passion for giving back to their community was evident, and all the Publix team members who made their way out on site have left a lasting legacy, one that will impact multiple families, as their work contributes to the completion of even more new, affordable homes.

We’re so thankful for Publix Super Markets Charities’ continued support. Without community partners like them, we could not continue to provide the safe, affordable housing resources that families across Lake and Sumter counties need to thrive.

 

HFHLS Applying For USDA Housing Preservation Grant Funds

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida is applying for USDA Housing Preservation Grant Funds. The proposed program would assist rural homeowners throughout Lake and Sumter Counties with preservation and repairs to their homes.

A statement of activities is available to the public for comment starting on June 28th, 2024 until July 26th, 2024. If you would like to see a copy, please stop by the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida office located at 906 Avenida Central, The Villages, FL 32159 between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM, Monday through Friday. You may also call Veronica Troxell at 352-483-0434 Ext 124.

Habitat hosts its first double dedication

June 11, 2024 Courtesy of The Daily Sun. Written by Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer

Moving into a new neighborhood can be daunting for families, but for the Hunters and the Broughtons, the experience comes with a built-in friendship.

Ashley Hunter and her children, as well as Elexis and Rodney Broughton and their children, moved into their new homes on Monday at a Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter dedication ceremony. 

This marked the first time the Habitat affiliate hosted a double dedication with two homes at once. The houses were built simultaneously side by side, with the volunteers helping on both homes and the families making connections before the walls were even up.

To read the full story from The Daily Sun, click here.

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter

June 5, 2024 Courtesy of Seco Energy

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. The SECO Energy Foundation presented the grant funds to the organization to assist with funding the Veteran’s Housing Preservation & Repair Program.

The mission of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter (HFHLS) has been the bridge to affordable and stable homeownership for families. The organization strives to provide innovative, affordable housing solutions in Lake and Sumter Counties. In 2015, the organization established the Preservation & Repair Program to address the growing need of individuals and families who owned their homes and may have lived in their homes for generations, but for various reasons, were unable to maintain the health, safety, and/or improve the accessibility of their homes for their aging or health needs.

To read the full story from SECO Energy, click here.

Publix volunteer days at Habitat

May 29, 2024 Courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel. Written by Orlando Sentinel Staff

Publix Super Markets Charities recently awarded Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter a $150,000 grant for the construction of a home in The Cottages at Heritage Grove, 1410 County Drive, Tavares, and employees from around the area will volunteer at the build from 8 a.m. to noon June 4, 6, 18 and 20.

Since 2015, Publix Super Markets Charities has been partnering with Habitat Lake-Sumter to transform affordable housing in the community. Their gift of $150,000 is an increased investment in affordable housing in Lake County and their largest award to Habitat Lake-Sumter to-date.

To read the full story from the Orlando Sentinel Staff, click here.

Women Build house is Habitat’s 300th home

May 16, 2024 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer

The noise of power tools combined with words of encouragement and teamwork was the soundtrack of the day during Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s Women Build event. Construction began May 11 at The Cottages at Heritage Grove, the first age-restricted community built by Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.

The town of Tavares requested Habitat keep the neighborhood age-restricted, Development Coordinator Hannah Zeller said.

“The surrounding land is a 55-plus area, and when we acquired the land Tavares wanted to keep the whole area available for those 55 and older,” Zeller said. “Our goal is to service the community in the way it needs, so we were more than happy to let The Cottages be an age-restricted community.”

To read the full story from The Villages Daily Sun, click here.

VHA students build home and a future

May 4, 2024 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Garrett Shiflet

Not many students can say they built a home in high school, much less two. But students from The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy managed just that as they dedicated their second home to the Holbrook family Friday in Bushnell.

“I think we are changing these kids’ lives by giving them the opportunity for the future,” said VHS principal Rob Grant to the crowd. “Not just to be part of a class, but to be part of building a home and be a part of a tradition.”

Eight homes have been built in total by the academy over a six-year period. Each home is built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The other house was built in Wildwood and the keys were handed over to the family on April 23. The students split their time between the two homes.

To read the full story from The Villages Daily Sun, click here.

Habitat For Humanity Of Lake-Sumter Honors Youth Construction Academy Students And Dedicates 4 Brand New Homes For Future Families!

April 29, 2024 Courtesy of The South Lake Tablet

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter in partnership with Leesburg High School, South Lake High School, and Eustis High School have built four new homes as part of a vocational education program, the Youth Construction Academy.

Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Youth Construction Academy, through the partnership of select high schools, is a vocational program designed to provide experiential learning and introduce students to the field of construction. Students graduate the program with access and opportunity for internships and employment.

Construction of each home began at the start of the Fall semester last year. The students and teachers will be included in each ceremony as we welcome home the families selected through Habitat’s Home Ownership program.

To read the full story from The South Lake Tablet, click here.

Students welcome new Habitat house owners

April 24, 2024 Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Garrett Shiflet, Daily Sun Staff Writer.

With tears in her eyes, Dakoata Wilcox accepted the keys to her new home in Wildwood, built by The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.

They were tears of happiness, as Wilcox is overjoyed to be able to settle down so close to her parents, who live in The Villages, and to VHS, where her son, Elijah, is in 11th grade.

“Thank you for everything,” she said to the crowd gathered at the home dedication ceremony on Tuesday. “You’re making our dreams come true through all of this and giving us a life that we couldn’t have dreamed, and stability and a forever home.”

To read the full story from The Villages Daily Sun, click here.

Calling for affordable housing

February 21, 2024 Courtesy of The Triangle Sun. Written by Lacie Himes, Development Director, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, Florida 

On Feb. 7, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter joined forces with more than 400 representatives from Habitat’s across the Nation to champion affordable housing on Capitol Hill. 

Nationwide, housing costs are skyrocketing as more families lack access to a safe, affordable, and decent place to call home. Here in Florida, 1 in 6 households pay half or more of their income on housing. We called on Florida congressional members to act on the affordable housing crisis.

Habitat Lake-Sumter met with Rep. Daniel Webster, Rep. Mike Waltz, Rep. Kat Cammack, Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio to urge action and prioritization of policies that will increase the number of affordable homes, especially for homeownership. 

To read the full story from the Triangle Sun, click here.

Journey to Homeownership: Meet new Homeowner Kim Marquad

Journal Entries courtesy of Kim Marquad, June 1st, 2024

During her time in the Habitat New Homeownership program, new homeowner Kim Marquad kept a journal. She details what it was like applying for a Habitat Home, how she fulfilled her sweat equity requirements volunteering on-site, and what owning her own home means to her.

January 31st, 2024

Our journey with Habitat for Humanity began in 2022. After graduating from UCF, I moved with my mother to Lady Lake from Orlando for my job. My mother – who always dreamed of owning a home – and I had been renting rooms since moving to America in 2015, trying to save money for college. We moved seven times due to rent increases or owners selling the homes. Finally, with our current place, we each had our own bedroom and a living space instead of sharing one room. Although it felt like we had settled in, we knew we might have to move soon. My mother, two generations older than me, was exhausted from moving around and just wanted peace of mind and a garden for her herbs and flowers. I was upset that my salary wasn’t enough to provide stability for my elderly mother. While searching for low-income housing options, I stumbled upon Habitat for Humanity.

 Our first application fell through, but Veronica, who supported us every step of the way, encouraged us to reapply the next year. With my mother’s hopes high, I reminded her not to get too hopeful as many other families needed homes. Despite this, I thanked God for our ability to sustain ourselves with a roof over our heads. Then, I got a call from Veronica saying we had been selected for a home, and I was in shock, that moment was super exciting for me and my mom.  I immediately shared the good news with my mother. We are incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity and will do our best to pay back and pay forward for what we have been given.

 

February 16th, 2024

Saturday, February 10th,  was the day of house painting, and I was excited because I had not yet seen our future house. I arrived early and met Lacie, Danielle, and Bob, who greeted me warmly, and Bob gave me a tour of the house. Sometimes, I still can’t believe that we will finally have our own home. As more people arrived, including my mother with her two friends, I was surprised by the large crowd that came to help us, it was joyful. It was an honor to have mayors from Groveland, Mascotte, and Clermont, along with other officials, electives, and Habitat Homeowners, making it quite crowded. We stood in a circle, introducing ourselves and taking pictures together before pairing off, one with a paint bucket and roller, the other with a paintbrush. Chatting with the volunteers as we moved around the house, we gave it its new color and finished within two hours, ahead of schedule.

Thanks to Habitat for Humanity and my mum, we had snacks and beverages to nourish ourselves with, and the warm day made it even more enjoyable. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who spent time with us that day and helped us with our Sweat Equity. If you are unfamiliar with Sweat Equity, it is another term for volunteer hours. Future homeowners will participate for 200 hours which can be earned by participating in any of the events, assisting at any of the ReStore locations, working on construction sites, attending meetings with the Habitat team, and many more opportunities that is provided by the Habitat for Humanity.

 

March 24th, 2024

Today was a sod laying day for our future home! My mother and I joined a team from Habitat, the First Baptist Church of Mascotte, and a group from AmeriCorps to lay the sod, feeling thankful to the late Pastor Felix for donating the land that our house was built on, as today also honored his birthday. With the help of so many people, the hours of harmonious work flew by as everyone helped each other, getting to know one another while working. Thankfully, the weather was nice, with a cooling breeze and no rain.

Everyone worked in small groups, but in the end, we all joined together for the last section which is for finishing much faster than anticipated. My mother and I felt incredibly blessed and grateful for all the support from all the different communities, the late Pastor Felix, and Habitat for Humanity for fulfilling our dream of becoming homeowners soon.

 

April 27th, 2024

Today, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity at Michael’s Foundation for their resource fair event. I met Dakota’s and Ashley’s family, along with Dave who managed the booth. Though I had looked up Michael’s Foundation online, I didn’t expect everything to be so big and beautiful. The sunny day, with occasional breezes, featured beautiful horses, numerous vendors, and many veterans. We provided information to quite a few people and enjoyed a lovely horse show presented by Camp McCormick. We even got to meet and greet the horses personally. The atmosphere was uplifting with music, food, and drinks.

I chatted with Dakota and Ashley, discussing their homes and recent home dedication. The resource fair offered help with housing, law, therapy, and had activities for veterans’ children like a scavenger hunt and coloring. Overall, it was a successful day for everyone!

 

May 7, 2024

We had our home dedication! Lots of people came and we felt so grateful and happy! Thank you, Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter for the welcoming speech and introducing everyone. We are thankful for Pastor Adel Ramirez, for his prayer, and for his late father who donated the land our home was built on. Our gratitude goes to the main sponsor, White Aluminum and Siding, whose CEO, Bud Dorman, was there in person to represent! We were very much overwhelmed and touched by all the supporting representatives from Habitat for Humanity, such as Veronica Troxell, who helped us so much, Brad Weber, who is Board Vice-Chair with Habitat for Humanity, Allen Lane from Sons of the American Revolution who presented us with the flag, Marta Ramirez from College and Career Readiness of Lake County School, Altereque Baker, also from White Aluminum and former YCA student, and of course, last but not least, all the South Lake High School students who helped build our home, and everyone else from the community who attended! We are so thankful from the bottom of our hearts that you came to celebrate with us and be a part of our journey to become future homeowners!

You’re Invited!: Oxford Home Dedications

 

 

We are excited to announce that we are dedicating two new homes in partnership with New Covenant United Methodist Church and the Habitat Lake-Sumter Club of the Villages. We’d love to see you at the joint dedication ceremony to celebrate the Hunter Family and the Broughton Family! 
 
Come out and help us hand over the keys to the future homeowners!
 
To RSVP for the event, please contact Katy at katy@habitatls.org by June 9th. 
 
What: Joint Dedication for the Hunter Family and the Broughton Family
When: Monday, June 10th, 2024 @ 9:00 A.M.
Where: 10244 CR 229, Oxford, FL
RSVP: Email katy@habitatls.org by June 9th

Women Build 2024 Wrap Up

 

Women Build 2024 has come to an end, and with over $60,000 dollars raised and construction well underway on our 300th home, we’ve got some exciting updates to share!

 

Fundraising

During our Pre-Build Celebration on May 9^th, we celebrated all of the incredible participants who raised funds for this year’s Women Build house.

 

Every dollar raised during Women Build has a direct and long-lasting impact on our community, and we are so appreciative for all the effort our participants put into their fundraising efforts. That being said, fundraising for Women Build is competitive, and the Habitat Lake-Sumter team had the honor of recognizing both the top individual fundraiser and the top fundraising team at the Pre-Build celebration. With $14,802 dollars raised, this year’s top fundraiser was Sara Cichielo! Sarah’s team, the “Chicks with Sticks” were also this year’s top fundraising team, with a collective fundraising total of $19,074!

 

All together, our Women Builders raised $65,157 for this year’s Women Build home. This is an incredible achievement, made all the more special because the funds are going to be used to help build Habitat Lake-Sumter’s 300^th new home!

 

Volunteering

 

Our Women Builders weren’t finished when fundraising ended. From May 11^th to May 24^th, groups of Women Build participants were out on site starting construction. The amount of volunteers who came out for this year’s Women Build was so great that we were able to begin construction on not one, but two brand new homes in our Cottages at Heritage Grove neighborhood.

 

Over the course of the two-week build period, Women Build volunteers completed tasks such as framing, installing wall sheathing, hanging hurricane straps, and preparing the home to have their trusses set. The dedicated build period for Women Build is over now, but Women Build volunteers will continue to be invited out on site throughout the construction process to help complete the home. Women Builders will also be invited to the home’s dedication, so they can help hand over the keys to a deserving home buyer and help welcome them to their new home.

 

For many of our volunteers, their time on site was about more than just construction work. The bonds formed during this event are ones that last a lifetime, and we’re also so thrilled to welcome back past participants year after year as they continue see their impact in our community grow.

 

Thank you!

To all of our participants, volunteers, sponsors, and anyone in the Habitat family who lent a hand to Women Build 2024, thank you. Your efforts not only made this year’s event one of the best Women Build events in Habitat Lake-Sumter’s history, but you all have directly created a legacy of change that will branch far beyond this year’s home. The impact of your time with Women Build will continue to ripple out across Lake and Sumter county, and will help countless families find the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to thrive.

 

Thank you all for a fantastic Women Build 2024. We can’t wait to see you back for Women Build 2025!

 

The 5 Benefits of Affordable Home Ownership

You’re Invited! Youth Construction Academy – Upcoming Dedications

Over $24,000 Raised during RoMac Building Supply March Match

With your help, we raised $24,208.14 for our Youth Construction Academy during our March Match. $20,000 of that total is being matched by our sponsor, RoMac Building Supply!

Because of your generosity, we are able to provide our Youth Construction Academy students with access to life-changing educational and professional development resources. Your gift has helped our students graduate ready to enter the workforce with the training and education we need to succeed in a thriving industry.

Together with Habitat Lake-Sumter and Romac Building Supply, you have done twice as much. Your donations help build safe, affordable homes and provide our students with the hands-on learning experiences they need to suceed.

With your donation, you have invested in more than just our student’s future – you invest in the future of our community.

 

 

 

Fundraising open for annual women build

April 3rd, 2024 – Courtesty of Maddie Cutler at The Villages Daily Sun 

Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is celebrating a milestone as community members begin fundraising for the 2024 Women Build event. 

The home being constructed for the Women Build event will be Habitat’s 300th house. 

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity initiative that encourages women to participate in the construction of affordable housing. The Women Build initiative is important to both Habitat and the community because it inspires leadership and passion, Habitat development director Lacie Himes said. 

“The sphere of influence women hold in the community is different than men, and we are trying to elevate that perspective,” Himes said. “We also want to expose women to civic construction sites, because it might not be something they have ever done before and it leaves you feeling super empowered and motivated.”

To read the full story from The Villages Daily Sun, click here. 

Live in the North Florida area? Find us in Target Circle!

 

We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us!

Now through June 30th, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. Find out more about Target Circle here: www.target.com/circle.

We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Don’t forget, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign!

Thank you for your support, and we encourage you to share your support for us (and your thanks to Target) on social media throughout the duration of the voting!

Home Decorating Club gears up for showcase sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 29, 2024 – Courtesy of Anne Moser, The Villages Daily Sun

Laurel Manor Recreation will be packed with everything from vintage paintings to elegant vases Saturday for guests to display in their own homes. 

As one of their largest events of the year, the Home Decorating Club’s Showcase Sale brings in people from all over the community to purchase new and gently used decorations. But its purpose goes beyond that, as proceeds from the showcase will help decorate and furnish a home for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. 

“We started working with Habitat for Humanity in 2013,” said special events coordinator Diane Gilson, of the Village of Sanibel. “A lot of our funds for the project come from this showcase.” 

RoMac March Match Slider

 

Double your Impact with RoMac Building Supply

Your dollar goes twice as far in supporting our Youth Construction Academy this month

Donate Now!

Double your Impact with RoMac Building Supply!

 

Hi Habitat Friends!

My name is Maria, and I’m graduating from high school this spring career-ready thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s Youth Construction Academy.

Today, you can partner with RoMac Building Supply to double your donation and give students like me access to life-changing educational and professional development resources through the Youth Construction Academy.

When you give, RoMac Building Supply will

match every dollar donated in March, up to $20,000!

Your gift helps my classmates and I graduate ready to enter the workforce with the training and education we need to succeed in a thriving industry.

Today, your gift

of $25 will be doubled to become $50!

And your gift of $100 will become $200!

Together with Habitat Lake-Sumter and Romac Building Supply, you can do twice as much. Your donation builds safe, affordable homes and provides hands-on education to students just like me!

Click here to give the gift of a brighter future today! 

The Road to Happiness

To Cheryl and David, becoming Habitat Homebuyers means one thing: stability. For nearly sixteen years, the pair have been living in campers and other mobile homes: impermanent spaces that required them not only to move their living space every time threat of a big storm or other natural disaster came along, but also to climb shaky stairs in and out of their mobile home on top of having health conditions that make navigating stairs an especially hazardous task.

Cheryl and David knew that they couldn’t continue to live in that kind of environment, so they began to explore opportunities towards homeownership. Cheryl explains that the initial search was frustrating, as every property they came across was either totally unaffordable, or the condition of the home was almost unlivable.

About three years ago, however, a friend (who happened to be a Habitat Homebuyer themselves) recommended they explore Habitat’s program as a path to homeownership. Though they had to wait a while for the right project to open up, Cheryl and David couldn’t be more excited to finally be building their home. Their home is the second house being built in the Cottages at Heritage Grove, a 23-unit pocket neighborhood and Habitat Lake-Sumter’s first 55+ community. This community is intended for households just like Cheryl and David’s, who have been looking for a safe, affordable place to call their forever home.

“You know, you live in a camper for so long you, you learn to not bring stuff in.

I need something solid…I need something solid during the storms we get down here…

So, this build is very exciting.”

Cheryl and David believe their new home will provide the security, safety, and stability they’ve been searching for. They explain that to them their new space means “Peace, tranquility, quiet, [security], and fun.” Between their persistence in applying over the course of three years and the sweat equity they’ve put into their home, it’s clear that becoming Habitat Homebuyers is a point of pride for the pair.

They’re also both quick to express their gratitude towards those who have donated their time and effort into building their home. Cheryl explains that “I watched these people that come— they don’t know us— and they come, and they help put hours into our house. It’s just amazing. And I watch them in the heat, sweat…they just come out and volunteer their time. And that’s what is amazing…I can’t say enough about that. It’s just amazing that these people will donate their time to a total stranger to help them build or fix their house.”

Between their own sweat equity and the generous aid of volunteers, Cheryl and David are finally seeing their dream of homeownership come true. David explains that for himself— and he believes for many of Habitat’s volunteers and donors as well— participating in this build is about more than just changing someone else’s life: it’s about changing your own.

With the drive to go the extra mile on their journey, Cheryl and David have reached their destination with gratitude and joy.

You’re Invited! 2024 Pink Champagne Party!

 

Join us for our sixth Women Build project constructing Habitat Lake-Sumter’s 300th Habitat home! 

Women Build is an annual nationwide initiative that invites women from all walks of life to join together to fundraise and build a brand new home in our community.

Gather your friends and come build with us!

WHAT:  Pink Champagne Party kickoff for Women Build 2024 

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 20th from 6p-8p

WHERE:  RoMac Training Center located at 200 E Main Street, Leesburg, FL 

RSVP by March 15th via email to melanie@habitatls.org

 

If you feel that it’s your time to sign up and create a fundraising team, or to simply give a donation. Contact Melanie at 352-483-0434, extension 141, for details.

Mending the Gap to Generational Wealth

Homeownership is a key that unlocks the doors of stability, security, and financial freedom. For families, it is an opportunity to pass down assets from generation to generation. Generational wealth can be defined as assets such as home/properties, cash, stocks and bonds, investments, etc. that can be passed down to one’s children, grandchildren, or chosen family.

For many, homeownership is the first and only introduction to generational wealth and with the current affordable housing crisis, this introduction moves further and further away. Furthermore, the lack of affordable homeownership is also widening the racial gap between minority and white homeowners. Black families embarking on their journey to homeownership continue to experience housing discrimination from banks, realtors, appraisers, etc.

A previous study conducted in 2021 showed that the homeownership rate for black homeowners was 46.4%

in comparison to 75.8% for white homeowners.

How can this be? Black Americans have less access to quality jobs and have lower wages. Black Americans are less likely to gain approval to capital for businesses, loans for home purchases, and/or home repairs. These barriers directly contribute to lower homeownership in the black community. Although the wage gap is significant across both gender and race factors, the income disparity greatly diminishes the ability of black families to increase their net worth, causing a heavy reliance on their home value.

So how do we intervene in this vicious cycle of housing inequality? Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates, to include Habitat Lake-Sumter, have taken an intentional approach to strategize and advocate for solutions that address the inequitable access to homeownership. One strategy includes increasing community engagement through educational workshops and supportive services. By utilizing this strategy, we can expand opportunities for financial education and programs that provide tools and knowledge needed to prepare Black Americans for homeownership. This approach not only ensures access and opportunity for Habitat homeownership programs, but for other homeownership opportunities as well, while building community partnerships. Another strategy is increasing awareness and expanding our Preservation & Repair programs. Home maintenance and preservation repairs have a tremendous impact on a family’s ability to maintain their home value, retain their home assets, and transfer generational wealth.

We understand the invaluable opportunities that affordable homeownership brings to families, which includes providing generational wealth.

Having an affordable home provides the foundation for stability and financial freedom for families to set goals that can improve their family’s outlook and their future generations. Everyone deserves access to an affordable, safe, and decent home, and Habitat for Humanity is committed to doing our part to be the change in our communities.

 

 

 

Written by Geria Forrest 2024

Ready To Start Your Journey To Homeownership? (Registration Closes Feb 9)

February 7, 2024 – Courtesy of the South Lake Tablet 

Applications close soon. Register today! Habitat for Humanity /  Lake-Sumter is hosting a FREE financial education program in partnership with financial expert and educator, Jo-El Gonzalez with Seacoast Bank.

This 6-week course is designed to prepare you with the essential financial knowledge and tools you need to make your home-owning dreams a reality. To take part in this free program, save the date and be sure to apply online. Applications close February 9th, 2024.

Course subjects include Budgeting and Money Management, Savings, Fraud Protection, Credit Management, Debt Management, and Homebuying Basics, with additional information about Habitat’s Home Ownership program.

To read the full story from the South Lake Tablet, click here. 

Habitat for Humanity Club hits milestone

February 1, 2024 Courtesy of Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer 

Elexis Broughton always dreamed of being a homeowner, and now it’s becoming a reality. Elexis and her husband, Rodney, and their daughters will soon move into their home in Oxford, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter. 

Things still feel surreal to Elexis, and she is reminded of how grateful she is when she sees the home. 

“I remember when I was applying, I was hopeful, but there’s always that chance that someone else will be chosen,” she said. “When I got the call, I was at work and I just broke out in praise and was crying.” 

Click here to read the full story from the Villages Daily Sun

 

Thank You, and Citizens First Bank Too!

There are a variety of ways that communities can work together to support the development of affordable housing. This past December, Citizens First Bank and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter partnered to help make a difference for families in need.  Throughout the entire month during the campaign, Citizens First Bank matched every dollar that was donated to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter by the community.

Together you helped us meet the goal of helping give the gift of safe, affordable homes to local families. Together we are transforming neighborhoods into strong, sustainable communities.

“We’re highly committed to supporting the community,” said Michelle Crawford, Citizens First Bank vice president and marketing officer. “The donation-matching doubles our impact and provides clean, safe housing for families in need.”

The evidence is clear: housing has a powerful impact on all aspects of our community’s well-being, from the economy and education, to public safety and health. The location and quality of a person’s home relate directly to schooling, job choice, access to doctors and hospitals, and overall outlook. As affordable housing continues to be an issue greatly affecting our community, we will continue working together with Citizens First Bank to make it a priority.  We are grateful for your help and the continued tireless hard work and dedication to solve the affordable housing crisis.

Together, as an incredible example of the strength of community, 153 individuals and businesses have rallied to donate $102,549.40 during this campaign.

Thank you for believing that everyone deserves a safe place to call home!

 

A Boutique Experience with The Creative Emporium

 

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Club of The Villages wants you to picture a community where every person and family has the chance to feel the safety and warmth of a secure home.  Adjacent to the Leesburg ReStore, The Creative Emporium is giving you the chance to realize this goal by helping support the community through the sale of handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind upcycled creations. 

Housing is more than just a roof over one’s head; it is the cornerstone of thriving communities and paves the way for brighter tomorrows. Club members realized that for many of our community’s essential workers, their wages have not kept pace with rising housing costs. Our neighbors earn a good income but still struggle to live near where they work. The Club worked towards a solution to this problem and it required an all-hands approach to open and run — the club designed and launched The Creative Emporium in Leesburg at 200 N. Lone Oak Drive in 2023.  Your purchase supports Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Club of The Villages and their build in Oxford!

The Creative Emporium is an artisan boutique designed and created by the hardworking hands of the volunteer members of the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Club of The Villages.

Filled to the brim with beautiful, custom, quality and handmade products, all the proceeds from every sale are used to further the mission of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter to provide affordable housing throughout our community.  The Creative Emporium sells products that the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Club of The Villages members build, repurpose, and upscale to upcycle. This club effort extends their reach and allows the community to purchase these creations to support Habitat Lake-Sumter. The Creative Emporium is committed to offering gifts that are not only beautiful and well-crafted, but also meaningful and thoughtful too. Their unique stock is never the same from one day to the next. 

We would love to have you stop by and see our beloved gift shop, known for our exceptional selection and friendly customer service, and support affordable housing in our community.

With all proceeds going towards constructing homes with Habitat Lake-Sumter in our local area, every handmade gift and repurposed piece of art supports the mission for affordable housing in Lake and Sumter counties.

We are delighted to share our carefully curated and created items with you!

 

The Creative Emporium is located at 200 N Lone Oak Drive, Leesburg, FL.

Only Open: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

Hours: Monday 9:30 AM–4 PM
[Tuesday Closed]
Wednesday 9:30 AM–4 PM
[Thursday Closed]
Friday 9:30 AM–4 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–4 PM
[Sunday Closed]

Jingle Build-off: Playhouses gifted to families

Click here to check out Fox 35’s coverage of Jingle Build-Off 2023! 

Villagers help woman with access to home

January 25, 2024 Courtesy of Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer 

Sometimes, what would seem like the smallest of issues to most of us are serious obstacles for others. The Villagers Habitat for Humanity Club helped Linda Pellettieri so she could move around her home more easily.

The club’s Villagers Home Assist program does small construction projects and exterior repairs for community members who cannot do so themselves. Pellettieri, of the Village of Silver Lake, has multiple sclerosis and needed a ramp outside her home repaired. 

Click here to read the full story. 

Churches offer key volunteer opportunities

January 13, 2024 Courtesy of James Dinan, Daily Sun Senior Writer 

The cold weather couldn’t stop dozens of people from gathering to unveil the first partnership between New Covenant United Methodist Church’s Helping Hands ministry and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.

“This is the day the Lord has made for us,” said the Rev. Harold Hendren, senior pastor of New Covenant UMC. “We are so grateful to be pairing up with Habitat for Humanity on building homes for those in need, and a special blessing goes out to those volunteering to build the home.”

The home build requires plenty of volunteer hands to become reality. And in and around The Villages, houses of worship are asking their congregants to lend a hand to assist those both locally and around the world.

“It was around 20 years ago that New Covenant UMC had a vision to build homes in the community,” Hendren told those at Wednesday morning’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at the build site in Oxford. “This will be our 36th home, but our first partnered with Habitat for Humanity.”

Click here to read the full story. 

Local ministry finds new “hands” to build homes

January 9, 2024 Courtesy of James Dinan, Daily Sun Staff Writer 

Over the last 16 years, the Helping Hands ministry of New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages has built 35 homes for families needing help in Sumter County.

But the church’s missions and outreach director, Janine Rogers, realized that now was a good time to realign the ministry.

“Some of our volunteers are getting a little older and are not as active as they used to be,” she said. “Others have health issues. So the church thought it was time to consider partnering with someone to build homes in the community.”

Click here to read the full story. 

Tiny houses for the little ones

January 2, 2024 Courtesy of the Triangle News Leader 

Twenty-four area families now have individually decorated playhouses for their youngsters, thanks to the fifth annual Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s Jingle Build-Off. 

“This year, Jingle Build-Off teams created 24 individually designed playhouses gifted to children from Lake and Sumter counties. Winning by a single vote, Garney Construction was crowned with the title of ‘Playhouse Pros’ for the best playhouse for 2023,” Habitat said in a news release. 

The Dec. 2 playhouse build competition was the largest Habitat Lake-Sumter playhouse build to date, according to the agency. The playhouses were displayed in the Tavares Christmas Celebration in Town Square on the parade route and lined the pathway to Santa’s throne. 

Recipient families were selected through referrals from local schools and community members and received their family’s playhouses just in time for the holidays.

Community members were invited to vote for the playhouses online, and all proceeds from the fundraiser support affordable housing. The project raised $60,942 toward new home construction in Lake and Sumter Counties.

Click here to read the full story. 

A Timeline of Inspiration: Habitat for Humanity of Lake & Sumter Counties

December 26, 2023 Courtesy of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake

With the help of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, Habitat for Humanity of Lake & Sumter Counties is helping fix critical home repairs for South Lake residents.

Toys for Tots delivers thousands of toys

December 22, 2023 Courtesy of Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer 

Laurie Bryant, who also helped out at the toy distribution, agrees and said she is proud to volunteer within her community.

“I get excited for distribution day, because you get to see the faces of all the families we are helping,” said Bryant, who is director of operations for Habitat for Lake and Sumter Counties. “It makes you feel really good to do something like this for the holidays.”

Bryant placed sorted bags of toys in car trunks, occasionally putting toys and stuffed animals directly in the hands of children who sat eagerly in the back seats. She said seeing their eyes light up made all the hard work worth it and then some.

To read the full story, click here. 

Creativity with compassion builds sensory-friendly wonderland for kids with special needs

December 19, 2023 Courtesy of Jed Dunstan with AdventHealth

With Christmas right around the corner, team members from AdventHealth Waterman are helping to make the holidays a bit more magical for a family with special needs through the 2023 Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Jingle Build event.

About a dozen team members including Pediatrician, Dr. Sherryl Gordon-Spence, along with registered nurses Cameron Munoz and Heather Cedeno, who have a deep understanding of the sensory needs of autistic children, designed a built playhouse for this special family. In addition to being nurses, both Munoz and Cedeno both have children on the autism spectrum, providing them with unique insights into creating an environment tailored to these children’s specific requirements.

“Individuals on the autism spectrum view the world around them a little differently — they like tactile things and to manipulate items,” explained Cedeno. “They seek different sensory inputs like flipping light switches or stroking fabrics.”

Click here to read the full story. 

Habitat for Humanity’s Jingle Playhouse Build: MVA Upper School Students Build Playhouse for the Refuge at Jumper Creek

December 13, 2023 Courtesy of the South Lake Tablet 

On Saturday, December 2, MVA Upper School students participated in Habitat for Humanity’s annual Jingle Playhouse Build. This year, MVA students built a special playhouse that will be used by many children for years to come and will serve an important purpose for the Refuge at Jumper Creek. The Refuge at Jumper Creek provides emergency housing for homeless families and has housing dedicated specifically to veterans. They also have many families with children on site.

“This was a new experience for me and it was amazing to be a part of this Jingle Build Off,” said Kirstin Coffman, MVA’s Director of Residential Life. “The Montverde Academy students worked incredibly hard the whole time to make this playhouse the best it could be for the children that will get to play and make memories in there. What was also neat about it was the other teams that were there building and decorating their playhouses were all helpful and encouraging everyone around them. We are so grateful to Michael Pape and Associates, PA, for sponsoring our playhouse so that we could have this experience.”

To see the full story, click here. 

 

Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter delights families with 5th Jingle Build-off

December 5, 2023 Courtesy of Julie Garisto at the Leesburg Daily Commercial 

If you remember cobbling forts out of branches outside or building a secret clubhouse with your mom’s sheets and chairs inside, you can imagine how exciting the idea of a custom playhouse is to kids, especially to kids in families facing economic and life challenges.

Not only did Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s Jingle Build-off, its fifth annual playhouse build competition and biggest to date, drew crowds and pleasantly surprised kids to last weekend’s showcase, but local children who often go without essentials were surprised with their very own fully decked out, originally decorated, personalized and themed playhouse built and designed by locals schools, nonprofits and companies.

This year’s Jingle Build-Off showcased 24 playhouses to be gifted to kids in Lake and Sumter counties.

“We invite community members to view the playhouses and vote online at HabitatLS.org for their favorite playhouse, with all proceeds supporting affordable housing in Lake and Sumter counties,” Lacie Himes, development director of the Lake and Sumter counties chapter, said in an email last week.

To read the full story, click here. 

To see the full photo album published by the Daily Commercial, click here.

Build-off raises funds for Habitat homes

December 1, 2023 Courtesy of Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer

Though the houses volunteers build for the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Jingle Build-Off are small, the impact they have on the community is not.

The organization that builds affordable homes for people in need is hosting its fifth annual Jingle Build-Off event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Tavares Square, where community members will reveal miniature playhouses they built for local families.

Twenty-four groups sponsored jingle houses, the most ever for the event, which also serves as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.

“This event is near and dear to my heart — the big picture is we have fun while helping provide affordable housing in Lake and Sumter counties,” said Melanie Lemmer, development coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “The funds this event raises goes to the real, family-sized homes we build in the community.”

Jingle houses are playhouses that are given to the families who move into Habitat houses. Though several groups started building their playhouses ahead of the event, some will put on finishing touches Saturday morning before builders reveal the playhouses to families starting at 11 a.m.

Click here to read the full story. 

Giving Tuesday keeps the generosity flowing

 

November 28, 2023 Courtesy of Maddie Cutler, Daily News Senior Reporter

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 as a movement to inspire people to be more charitable with their time and money. The Villages is a hot spot for volunteerism and donating, and a wide range of organizations need support from the community. Here are a few ways to donate your time, money and goods to local nonprofits, and check out the How We Give report in each Thursday edition of the Daily Sun for ways you can help all year.

3 Ways to Donate Time

Build and fix homes with Villagers Habitat for Humanity: email villagershabitat@gmail.com.

Click here to read the full story. 

 

Disney announces $1.5 million in grants to Central Florida nonprofits

October 5, 2023 Courtesy of Brittany Caldwell at WFTV.com

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Some Central Florida nonprofit organizations received a little dose of magic this week.

The Walt Disney World Resort announced Monday that it would donate $1.5 million to 19 local groups across the state.

Disney said the organizations had created positive change in the community and the state through supporting the arts, education, environmental action, workforce development, social issues and tackling other causes.

Click here to read the full story. 

Local thrift stores continue to support their community

October 5, 2023 Courtesy of Maddie Culter, Daily Sun Senior Writer

The Creative Emporium thrift store opened on Monday, bringing to life a three-year dream of Villages residents Sally Read and Kevin Tucker. 

The co-presidents of the Villagers Habitat for Humanity Club were on hand for the grand opening of the store in Leesburg that benefits Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. It joins multiple local thrift stores that raise funds for causes such as Combat Veterans to Careers, local humane societies and UF Health The Villages Hospital Auxiliary Foundation.

To read the full story, click here. 

19 nonprofits land Disney donations. See what they do.

October 4, 2023 Courtesy of Richard Bilbao – Associate Managing Editor, Orlando Business Journal 

Walt Disney World has donated $1.5 million across 19 Florida nonprofits, including many in metro Orlando.

The theme park giant on Oct. 2 gave grants ranging from $25,000-$100,000 to groups supporting Floridians and families, including establishing strong education and workforce development programs, supporting the arts and combatting homelessness and hunger.do corporate donations matter to Orlando businesses?

Corporation donations can spearhead initiatives that lead to revenue-producing work for businesses or help resolve regional issues such as workforce training, housing and more. Resolving those issues can help improve the overall landscape of the local business community.

“Florida has been our home for more than half a century, and each organization receiving a grant is doing amazing work for our community,” said Rena Langley, senior vice president of communications and public affairs at Walt Disney World Resort. “This will help them continue making big differences and is another step forward in our long history of giving back to those around us.”

To read the full story, click here.

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Register

Change Your Life with Habitat Lake-Sumter’s FREE 6-wk Financial Education Program!

 

Reserve Your Seat: Applications open January 8th, 2024    

Space is limited, so apply as soon as possible to reserve your seat!

Join Habitat Lake-Sumter for our FREE financial education program in partnership with financial expert educator, Jo-El Gonzalez with Seacoast Bank. This 6-week course is designed to prepare you with the essential financial knowledge and tools you need to make your home-owning dreams a reality. Course subjects include Budgeting and Money Management, Savings, Fraud Protection, Credit Management, Debt Management, and Homebuying Basics, with additional information about Habitat’s Home Ownership program.

Classes will be held online from 6-7pm

• February 15th
• February 22nd
• February 29th
• March 7th
• March 14th
• March 21st* — *Final class will be held in person, refreshments provided 

 

All classes must be attended to receive your certificate of completion.  You can provide the certificate to Habitat staff when applying for the homeownership program so they know you would make a great top candidate for a Habitat home. If you are approved for a home within two years of taking this course, we will also credit your time spent on the course towards your required sweat equity!

Please note: Completing the course is NOT an approval for Habitat’s Homeownership program.

It is an opportunity for members of the community to learn steps you can take to achieve your goal of homeownership.

Candidates wishing to apply for the course must meet certain requirements:

• Must either live or work in Lake or Sumter Counties
• Must be available to attend ALL class dates and times listed
• Must be willing to partner with Habitat Lake-Sumter and commit to the work requested for the course

Save the Date for January 8th and Submit

Your Application Here!

*Applications open January 8th, 2024. Click the link and select the Applications Open to reserve your seat for our 6-week education course

Jingle Build-Off 2023: Wrapped Up In a Bow

 

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s Jingle Build-Off 2023 was a jolly success!

The fifth annual playhouse build competition, Jingle Build-Off, was held on Saturday, December 2^nd and was the largest Habitat Lake-Sumter playhouse build to date.  This year, Jingle Build-Off teams created 24 individually designed playhouses gifted to children from Lake and Sumter Counties. Winning by a single vote, Garney Construction was crowned with the title of “Playhouse Pros” for the best playhouse for 2023 with their Spiderman and Friends themed playhouse.

Together, these 24 teams’ dedication to Jingle Build Off 2023 raised $60,942 towards new home construction for Lake and Sumter County!

Teams of every kind build the playhouses with us each year – corporate groups, faith congregations, youth and school groups, members of community organizations and groups of friends too. Each playhouse takes  3-4 hours to build and paint with the help of 8-10 volunteers on each team. The wood for each playhouse was pre-cut by volunteers and brought to the event site where it was built and decorated with the children’s dream themes creatively applied to the design.  This year’s competition entries were exceptional, with a beautiful tiny home, a space ship complete with control panels, a yellow schoolhouse with a ringing bell, a cafe and a coffee shop, a few imaginative mermaid and superhero themes, and even an ice cream party train! 

The playhouses were displayed in the heart of the Tavares Christmas Celebration in Town Square on the parade route and lined the pathway to Santa’s throne for the Tavares Holiday Celebration. Recipient families were selected through referrals from local schools and community members, and the families received their playhouses just in time for the holidays.

Community members were invited to view and vote for the playhouses online at www.HabitatLS.org with all of the proceeds going to support affordable housing in Lake and Sumter Counties. Online voting for Best Playhouse occurred for one week, with local employee owned GARNEY CONSTRUCTION announced as the winner of the “Playhouse Pros” title on December 12^th, with 1,449 votes for their Spiderman and friends themed playhouse.  Congratulations to Garney Construction for their contributions to affordable housing in Lake and Sumter County.

This playhouse build not only provides special playhouses to 24 different families during the holiday season but raised funds towards building REAL affordable Habitat homes in Lake and Sumter Counties throughout the coming year!

Together this event encourages community engagement for affordable housing and empowers these kids to dream big when it comes to their futures!

Citizens First Bank doubling donations made to Habitat Lake-Sumter

• • Citizens First Bank doubling donations made to Habitat
  By ANNE MOSER, Daily Sun Staff Writer Dec 20, 2023

 

Citizens First Bank and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter are partnering to help make a difference for families in need during the holiday season.

Throughout the month of December, Citizens First Bank will match every dollar that is donated to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter by the community. The goal is to help give the gift of safe, affordable homes to local families.

“We’re highly committed to supporting the community in The Villages,” said Michelle Crawford, Citizens First Bank vice president and marketing officer. “The donation-matching doubles our impact and provides clean, safe housing for families in need.”

 

 

Read this story and many others in Wednesday’s edition of the Daily Sun

 

Give the Gift of Home for the Holidays!

Donate Now!

Dear Friend,

As I celebrate alongside loved ones this holiday season, I am reminded of the many triumphs this year held. Because of you, we’ve built and repaired homes for 39 families this year!

We have been hard at work to provide affordable housing for our community, but there is still so much more to do. The need is great, and we can’t do it alone.

Will you send in a special gift today to give families a safe place to call home?

For single mom, Lindsey and her son, Ben, the year has been difficult. After being forced to move because of skyrocketing rent prices, Lindsey relied on friends and family members, bouncing from house to house, so Ben could have a place to sleep.

Your gift changes that.

As a first-time homeowner, Lindsey can raise Ben with the safety and stability that comes from home, and Ben knows exactly where he will sleep tonight.

This year, we can make an even greater impact. Every donation given in December will be matched by Citizens First Bank, up to $100,000.

Just imagine, for every dollar you give, another dollar is added.

Your $25 becomes $50, your $100 becomes $200, and your $1,000 donation becomes $2,000!

This is an incredible opportunity to double your impact and help us reach more families in need. That’s why it’s so urgent that you give before December 31st.

Every day, we see the transformations of having a safe place to call home. Families gain stability, children perform better in school, and neighborhoods thrive.

 

Will you give the gift of home? Donate today!                                                                                     

Danielle Stroud   

President & CEO

                                                                                                                               

 

P.S. Donate today and Citizens First Bank will double your gift!

Last Call! Jingle Build Off!

Join Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter in building playhouses for children in your community!

A Team Building Competition

 

Ready to be a Playhouse Pro?

Contact Melanie: (352) 483-0434 x141 or Melanie@habitatLS.org

Want to volunteer? Contact Carlos: (352) 483-0434 x119 or Carlos@habitatLS.org

Helping a Veteran Find Solid Ground on the Home Front

Habitat Lake-Sumter partnered with Homes for Veterans, working together to remove barriers for one local disabled hero with major renovations to his home.

Watch his touching story here.

Donate Today to Support More Veterans Like Mr. Prescott

 

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is dedicated to partnering with families and the community to create simple, decent, affordable housing for families in need because we believe a decent home provides the strength, stability, and independence to create a better life. Our goal is to help create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Homes For Veterans fund ramps, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, ADA kitchen adaptions, elevator installations that will remove a barrier from a disabled veteran’s home so that they can live their every day life freely, as they deserve. Our mission is to provide barrier-free renovations to disabled veteran home owners at no cost to the Veterans or their families. www.homesforveterans.us 

Save the Date – Giving Tuesday, November 28th!

The daylight is shorter and pumpkin spice is in insatiable demand. It’s autumn, and as thoughts turn to turkey dinners and the brief chance to wear cable-knit sweaters in Florida, Habitat Lake-Sumter has been busy planning with the Mount Dora Community Trust for a different special day: Giving Tuesday. 

SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 28th 

 

Mount Dora Community Trust has partnered with Habitat Lake-Sumter to give back to our community by matching your Giving Tuesday donations.

Stepping away from shopping to do something a little more meaningful, Giving Tuesday is your opportunity for generosity and gratitude!

 

Support Habitat Lake-Sumter and have your gift matched to further our mission of building decent, safe, and affordable housing by donating through The Mount Dora Community Trust during Giving Week 2023 – click  for details. 

Donate to Habitat Lake-Sumter through the Mount Dora Community Trust Giving Week from November 28th to December 5th and your gift will be matched! Giving Tuesday was launched in 2012 to start a conversation about the good we may do in this world. Ultimately, making the world a better place requires generosity and a dedication to measuring impact, talking about what we want to achieve, and gaining a better understanding of the problems we’re trying to solve. Your partnership with Habitat Lake-Sumter and Mount Dora Community Trust is your chance to make a difference regardless of the size of your contribution.

Together, we’re building a more compassionate and giving world while building homes, communities, and hope.

Give more when you give back this holiday season with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.

For the past four years, your Hometown Habitat has participated in Giving Week hosted by the Mount Dora Community Trust. During Giving Week, a portion of all donations made to Habitat are matched by the Mount Dora Community Trust. This makes your dollar go even farther is supporting our mission of providing safe, affordable housing in your community.

Giving Week is the perfect opportunity to give a gift to your community that keeps on giving. When you donate to Habitat Lake-Sumter during Giving Week, your generosity makes a deeper impact than ever before, and you move us one step closer to ensuring that our community has decent housing for all.

All donations must be made through that link, mailed to the Community Trust and received during Giving Week, or taken directly to the Mount Dora Community Trust offices to be considered for matched funds. If you have questions about Giving Week or how you can ensure your donation is eligible for matched funds from the Mount Dora Community Trust, please contact Hannah at hannah@habitatls.org or call (352) 531-5223 x114

 

 

In Honor of our Veterans

Do you know?

Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than non-service members due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living condition in overcrowded or substandard housing (HCOA).

Today, you can help.

 Donate today to provide critical home repairs for our Veterans. Your gift goes directly to address critical health and accessibility issues, guaranteeing that Veterans can live in their homes safely, now and in the future.

Veterans like Airman First Class Sergeant Daisy Kramer who was one of the 120,000 female soldiers who contributed mightily when she joined the Air Force as a young woman during the Korean war.  She received a ramp and can now enter and exit her home safely and with ease, whether visiting friends or going to doctors appointments.

Your gift of $15, $50, or $500 makes our Veterans a priority. 

Honor our Veterans this November with your gift.

Your donation to the Veterans Housing Initiative makes sure that local veterans have the safety of home. 

Because of you, we have served over 50 veterans and their families in Lake and Sumter Counties, with many more to serve.

Will you give today?

 

 

Thank You and Happy Veterans Day!

Habitat For Humanity Of Lake-Sumter Receives $16,000 Grant From Lowe’s To Improve Home Safety And Health Outcomes In Leesburg

 October 19, 2023, Courtesy of the South Lake Tablet 

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter has received a $16,000 grant from Lowe’s to help complete one critical home repair project in Leesburg, Florida. With the support from Lowe’s, Habitat Lake-Sumter is supporting aging-in-place by improving the home safety and livability for seniors within our service area.

The funding support and partnership from Lowe’s ensures Habitat Lake-Sumter can continue its efforts of helping families address critical health and safety issues in their homes. As the winter months approach, critical improvements like window and roof replacements and energy improvements keep temperatures regulated in the home, while interior renovations reinforce home safety which is especially necessary for our senior homeowners.

 For Evelyn, who cares for her elderly parents, ensuring their home safety is imperative. “I’m constantly worried about falls and their safety when I’m not around. I’m thankful for Habitat and Lowe’s for easing my worries and making sure their home is safe.” says Evelyn, whose parents are recipients of this year’s Lowe’s funding.

Click here to read the full story from the South Lake Tablet. 

 

Do You Want to Build a Playhouse?

 

Build a Playhouse. Compete as a Team.

Win Bragging Rights and Title of BEST Playhouse!

Plus, put a priceless smile on the faces of children? (*Right in time for the holidays!)

Teams sponsor the build of each playhouse to support building and preserving safe, affordable homes for families in Lake and Sumter Counties.

Teams of any kind can build playhouses – corporate groups, faith congregations, youth and school groups, members of community organizations and groups of friends. 

The 2022 Winner of Best Playhouse was Team Shuffield-Lowman with their Princess themed playhouse, which was decked out with a pink fur rug, bookcase full of books, and even a tiny pink chandelier!

 

Sign up today to build a playhouse!

Contact Melanie at 352-483-0434 EXT 141 or email at melanie@habitatls.org to make magic happen with Jingle Build Off 2023!

Credit Education Workshop – October 23rd, 2023

RSVP Today! 

RSVP Now! 

To learn more about our programs, contact Veronica Troxell at (352) 483-0434 x 124 or Veronica@HabitatLS.org