Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter |

Roofing program helps renovate Clermont Army veteran’s home

A U.S. Army veteran in Clermont, Michael Austine, received a new roof through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, facilitated by Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Florida.

The project, which began in 2016, has provided new roofs to more than 700 military members. Austine was selected and approved for the new roof as part of this initiative.

David Horgan, programs coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, said they will replace the ceiling, flooring, kitchen cabinetry and possibly the window.

Read the full article here.

Lake County veteran receives home makeover through Habitat for Humanity program

Interview by WKMG ClickOrlando.

A Lake County U.S. Army veteran is receiving a home makeover as part of a project designed to help veterans in need.

On Tuesday, work began to replace the roof of Michael Austine’s home in Clermont.

Austine has lived in the home since 2010 and said the roof was in good shape until the last few years, when it started leaking and got worse.

“It was a mess. The other side of the roof was leaking into one of the bedrooms, and eventually the sheetrock collapsed from being wet,” Austine said.

Austine applied and was accepted into Habitat for Humanity’s home repair program, which coordinated with Janney Roofing, as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

“We’re just honored to be part of this and to be chosen to serve and give back to the community,” Janney Roofing President Jereme Cadorette said. “It’s super important to us as a company and our employees, and especially when you’re talking about a veteran.”

According to Owens Corning, nearly 700 veterans have benefited from the Roof Deployment project since 2016.

The plan for Austine’s home included a new roof, remodeled kitchen, new flooring, and window replacements.

“I keep trying to imagine how it’s going to look when it’s done, and I don’t believe it,” Austine said. “Now I have a place where everybody can hang out, come over for dinner, barbecue, and stuff like that.”

Read the full article here.

Building Forever: A Journey to Homeownership

Written By: Katrina Machetta

What does it mean to be a first-time homeowner? For Melanie Marquez, it means building something lasting—“something forever”—for generations to come.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Melanie first learned about Habitat through a family member who lost their home in Hurricane Maria back in 2017. That experience stuck with her. Years later, now living in Mount Dora and working hard as a medical assistant, she started looking for her own way to build something stable—and remembered Habitat.

Though the process was both exciting and intimidating, Melanie describes it as a journey marked by constant support and reassurance. “It was scary and happy not knowing what to expect or do,” she said, “but I always had my questions answered. I never felt alone or unheard.”

The Home Ownership Program at Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is one of the organization’s cornerstone initiatives, focused on building affordable homes while providing tailored support to help new homeowners navigate their responsibilities and embrace their new roles.

Melanie applied not once, but three times before being selected. It wasn’t easy, but she never gave up. That determination and drive are just part of who she is. And when she finally got the call, she knew it was the beginning of something big.

Through this program, Melanie was finally given the opportunity to create a place she could truly call her own—a forever home.

“We can make it ours,” she shared. “When you rent a house, you can’t paint it the way you want. You can’t make it cozy because there are rules to follow. But having your own home means you can go home, make it cozy, and be together as a family. We can create good memories here.”

Right now, Melanie rents in Mount Dora—but soon, she’ll be turning the key to a home that’s completely hers. She’s excited, she’s grateful, and above all, she feels blessed to be creating a space that her family can grow into.

Melanie is quick to acknowledge that this home wasn’t simply given—it was earned. The journey was filled with hard work, dedication, and collaboration. After finally being accepted, she is deeply grateful for the chance to build a better future.

“I want to thank Habitat for all the help and support since day one,” she said. “Thank you for everything. And thank you to the students for all their hard work in building our forever home.”

For Melanie, this isn’t just a house—it’s a fresh start, a dream come true, and a chance to plant roots for the future.

Watch a special moment from this past Christmas, when Melanie surprised her children with the news that she was building their future home.

Smart Giving: Two Impactful Ways to Give Back

Looking for a meaningful way to support Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter while also being smart with your finances? Two popular giving options—Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)—allow you to make a lasting impact on families in our community while also maximizing tax benefits.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you’re 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). A QCD allows you to transfer up to $100,000 per year straight to a qualified charity like Habitat Lake-Sumter—without counting it as taxable income.

Even better, a QCD can satisfy all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year. That means you can support affordable housing efforts and reduce your tax burden at the same time.

Your QCD gift can help local families stay in safe, stable homes—making your retirement dollars work for good.

Grants from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)

Already have a Donor Advised Fund? Recommending a grant to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is a simple way to support our mission. With a DAF, you receive an immediate tax deduction when you contribute to the fund, and then you can distribute grants to charitable organizations on your timeline.

DAFs are a great tool for strategic, long-term giving—and your grant helps us meet urgent housing needs, plan for future builds, and ensure more families have a place to call home.

Make a Smarter Impact

Whether you’re planning for retirement or exploring ways to give more intentionally, QCDs and DAFs offer flexible and effective ways to support Habitat Lake-Sumter.

Have questions or want to learn more? We’re here to help. Contact Kim at 352-483-0434 ext 141 to explore smart giving options that make a real difference.

Habitat for Humanity wants to build homes on Rolling Acres Road

July 22, 2025. Written by Meta Minton. Published in Villages-News.Com

Habitat for Humanity wants to build a 60-home complex on Rolling Acres Road and annex the property into the Town of Lady Lake.

Habitat for Humanity for Lake-Sumter CEO Danielle Stroud pitched the idea of the affordable housing development in a conceptual presentation Monday night before the Lady Lake Commission.

The acreage where the homes would be built is located off Rolling Acres Road on West End Street, north of the Lake County Transfer Station, across from the new Cresswind at Hammock Oaks development.

Read the full article here.

Carter’s Ace Hardware is sponsoring a new triplex unit

July 14,2025. Published in the Traingle Sun.

This year, Carter’s Ace Hardware is sponsoring a new triplex unit in the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter pocket neighborhood, The Cottages at Heritage Grove.The neighborhood in Tavares is for ages 55 and up and has 23 units designed for accessibility, independence and community. It features cottage-style homes, each approximately 730 square feet, tailored for active adults seeking affordable homeownership.

See article here.

Eustis veteran receives new roof through national deployment project

June 27, 2025. Published in ClickOrlando.com by reporter Angie Quezada.

After years of struggling with roof leaks and ongoing concerns heading into hurricane season, a Lake County veteran and his family are finally getting a fresh start — thanks to a community-driven initiative honoring those who’ve served.

Jerry Himes, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Vania have lived in their Eustis home for over 20 years. On Friday, their roof was fully replaced as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, a nationwide effort that provides free roof replacements for military veterans in need.

“We were very excited and really we couldn’t believe that it was going to happen for us,” Vania Himes said. “That would be a foot forward for us to really start making our house look a little better.”

Read the full article here.

Local hardware store sponsors Habitat for Humanity triplex

June 20, 2025, Featured in the Orlando Sentinel’s Things to Do section.

Carter’s Ace Hardware is sponsoring a new unit as part of the construction of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s first triplex home, establishing itself as a longtime community partner and supporter of Habitat Lake-Sumter.

Carter’s has increased support to help address the need for affordable housing and its latest contribution will help fund the unit within the Cottages at Heritage Grove, a 55-plus pocket neighborhood located in Tavares that has 23 homes.

The cottage-style homes are approximately 730 square feet and is Habitat of Lake-Sumter’s first age-qualified development.

Details: habitatls.org

Read the article here.

Carter’s Ace Hardware Sponsors New Triplex Unit

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is proud to recognize Carter’s Ace Hardware as a long-time, committed partner in the effort to create affordable housing in our community. This year, Carter’s Ace Hardware is sponsoring a new triplex unit as part of the construction of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s very first three-unit triplex home.

Carter’s Ace Hardware is a longtime community partner and supporter of Habitat Lake-Sumter. They have seen the need for safe, affordable housing in our community continue to rise. In response, over the past few years, Carter’s Ace Hardware has continuously increased their support to help address this need.

Thanks to the generosity of Carter’s Ace Hardware, a new unit within The Cottages at Heritage Grove will soon be home to a deserving family. Their support shows what a difference local businesses can make—one home, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.

The Triplex is located in The Cottages at Heritage Grove, Habitat Lake-Sumter’s first age-qualified (55+) pocket neighborhood located in Tavares, Florida.

The Cottages at Heritage Grove is a 23-unit neighborhood designed with accessibility, independence, and community in mind. The neighborhood features cottage-style homes, each approximately 730 square feet, tailored for active adults seeking affordable homeownership.

As Habitat Lake-Sumter’s first age-qualified development, The Cottages at Heritage Grove reflects Habitat’s commitment to meeting the diverse housing needs of Lake and Sumter Counties.

This year, Carter’s Ace Hardware is one of six amazing local sponsors helping to make new Habitat homes possible across the region. Alongside partners like RoMac Building Supply, RoMac Distribution, Citizens First Bank, Vann Gannaway Chevrolet, and First National Bank of Mount Dora, Carter’s Ace Hardware is helping to create real, lasting change in the lives of families and neighbors.

June 24th: Disaster Preparedness Class

Mark your calendars! On June 24th, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is hosting a free Disaster & Hurricane Preparedness Class at the Leesburg Resource Center, along with CC Insurance Agency and L.A.S.E.R. (Lake Support and Emergency Recovery, Inc.).

With hurricane season officially underway as of June 1st, it’s more important than ever to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. Waiting until a storm is approaching can leave you scrambling to find supplies, secure your home, or plan an evacuation route. Now is the time to take proactive steps toward protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

This one-night class is designed to help residents better understand the risks of hurricane season and how to effectively prepare before, during, and after a storm. Whether you’re a new homeowner, long-time Florida resident, or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will provide practical tips and resources for weathering the season safely.

Find out more about what to do before the storm, what items are essential to be prepared, and what to look out for on your insurance.

Date: Tuesday, June 24
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Leesburg Resource Center (1041 Co Rd 468, Leesburg, FL 34748)
Cost: Free to attend
RSVP: Register here

Join us and take the first step toward being storm-ready this season.

Rooted in Gratitude: The Batson Family’s New Beginning

Written By Volunteer Writer Katrina Machetta

For many, the dream of homeownership represents stability, love, and a lasting legacy. For Chandra Batson, her husband, and their son, that dream has finally come true.

With a private yard, a sunlit windowsill herb cart, and the quiet dignity of personal space, this home is more than just a structure—it’s a sanctuary. Thanks to the Homeownership Program through Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, the Batson family now has a place to truly call their own.

Chandra and her husband have been married for 20 years, and together they’ve always dreamed of having a home to raise their blended family. She grew up in New York, sharing everything with her brother and sister, and her husband—born in Bluefields, Jamaica—was the third of 11 children. Both Chandra and her husband experienced firsthand what it was like to go without, which only deepened their desire to give their own family something lasting, stable, and theirs.

“Anything is possible at any age,” Chandra reflects. “You just have to be encouraged, you just have to have that motivation—and anything can happen.”

To Chandra, this home symbolizes far more than bricks and beams. It’s a blessing born of determination, a powerful reminder that dreams are achieved, not given.

“I really am excited. I am thankful, and I am grateful,” she says, her voice full of emotion.

Being selected for this opportunity is a point of pride, the culmination of effort and resilience. “There’s nothing free in life,” Chandra emphasizes. “You have to work for it. A lot of people think this was free—it’s not. You have to put in the effort.”

Before applying, the Batson family lived in Chandra’s grandmother’s heir property—an aging home in need of major repairs they legally couldn’t make. When Chandra, a CDL driver and trainer for Sumter County Schools, saw a mass email sent to all district employees about Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, she felt it was a sign.

“It’s not going to hurt,” she thought. “This is the perfect opportunity.” With encouragement from Casey Ferguson, who oversees the CTE Adult Education program for Sumter County Schools and works closely with Habitat Staff as part of our Youth Construction Academy, Chandra applied—and never looked back.

Chandra’s journey was a process filled with perseverance, personal growth, and the unwavering support of a community that believed in her dream. Through Habitat’s comprehensive housing program, she gained essential skills in budgeting, personal finance, and economic literacy. Alongside her, the Habitat Lake-Sumter staff worked hand-in-hand, ensuring a transparent and supportive experience from start to finish. The community, too, played a role—gathering together to help build not just a house, but a future.

“It’s not just a program that gives you a house,” she says. “You have to be sure it’s right for your family. Are you all willing to put in the sweat equity? That’s your motivation right there—knowing it’s for the greater good.” Though they faced some struggles along the way, the Batson family leaned on one another and persevered through the process together.

“Don’t ever take anything for granted,” Chandra says with quiet conviction. “I’m appreciative of what everyone has done. I was raised to appreciate these things in life.”

With immense gratitude, Chandra adds, “To all the coordinators, sponsors, students, and volunteers—we thank each and every one of you for giving us this opportunity.”

Now, with her family under their new home, Chandra Batson begins a new chapter—rooted in gratitude, strengthened by perseverance, and surrounded by love.

Habitat Lake-Sumter has received a grant of $150,000 from Publix

June 1, 2025. Published in the Triangle Sun.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter has received a grant of $150,000 from Publix Super Markets Charities in support of the organization’s Preservation & Repair program. In addition, Publix team members rolled up their sleeves and volunteered on May 27 at a Habitat construction site in Lady Lake. The Preservation & Repair program was launched in 2015 to address the increasing need for affordable housing solutions in the community. While many families already own homes, the cost of essential repairs often exceeds their financial means. The program ensures homeowners can remain in the homes they already own by addressing critical repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC and accessibility improvements.

Publix Super Markets Charities Awards $150,000 To Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter And Provides Volunteer Support For Affordable Homeownership Projects

May 21. Published by the South Lake Tablet.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is proud to announce a generous grant of $150,000 from Publix Super Markets Charities in support of the organization’s Preservation & Repair program. In addition to this impactful financial support, Publix team members will roll up their sleeves and volunteer on May 27th at a Habitat construction site in Lady Lake.

Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation & Repair program was launched in 2015 to address the increasing need for affordable housing solutions in the community. While many families already own homes, the cost of essential repairs often exceeds their financial means. The program ensures homeowners can remain in the homes they already own by addressing critical repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and accessibility improvements.

To read the full article, click here.

Habitat for Humanity accepting applications for new homes

May 21. Published in the Triangle Sun.

Applications are now open for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s home ownership program for 10 new homes.

Homes being built that are available for purchase are located across Lake and Sumter counties, including in Tavares, Leesburg, Bushnell, Wildwood and Oxford.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter builds and sells affordable homes to individuals and families who demonstrate need, meet program guidelines and can sustain a monthly mortgage. In partnership with donors and volunteers, Habitat Lake-Sumter’s program provides families access, opportunity and guidance on attaining an affordable home.

To read the full article, click here.

Habitat for Humanity celebrates students and new homes

May 19. Published in the TriangleSun.

May 1, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter held a dedication ceremony to celebrate completion of a new affordable home in Tavares, which came about with help from students in the Youth Construction Academy at Eustis High School.

It was one of four public dedication events for new homes in the area, all of which recognized the students of Habitat’s high school-based Youth Construction Academy.

The academy is designed to provide experiential learning and introduce students to the field of construction, according to Habitat. Students graduate with access and opportunities for internships and employment – including several who went on to graduate and gain jobs in the industry.

To read the full article, click here.

Lake and Sumter applications open for Habitat for Humanity Homeownership program

May 18. Written by Angel Green, WFTV.com

Habitat for Humanity applications are now open for ten newly constructed Lake and Sumter Counties homes.

Homes available for purchase are located across both communities including, Tavares, Leesburg, Bushnell, Wildwood and Oxford.

Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing opportunities to individuals and families in Lake and Sumter counties who show a need, adhere to program guidelines and can manage a monthly mortgage payment.

Habitat for Humanity opens homeownership applications in Lake, Sumter counties

May 18. Written by LeeAnn Huntoon at WESH2.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter announced Sunday it is accepting applications for its Home Ownership Program.

The program builds and sells affordable homes to individuals and families in Lake and Sumter counties who demonstrate need, meet program guidelines, and can sustain a monthly mortgage.

Selected applicants will partner with Habitat to purchase a brand-new, site-built home with an affordable mortgage.

The initiative aims to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for eligible families in the region, making owning a home more accessible for those who meet the outlined criteria.

To read the full article at WESH2, click here.

Habitat accepting application for homeownership program

May 16. Written by the Orlando Sentinel staff.

Applications are now open for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s 10 new homes being built throughout Lake and Sumter counties.

Habitat builds and sells affordable homes to individuals and families in Lake and Sumter who demonstrate need, meet program guidelines and can sustain a monthly mortgage through its Home Ownership program.

Applicants must meet a variety of criteria: A target credit score of around 640, live or work in Lake or Sumter, demonstrate a need for the program, have verifiable income, and fall within HUD “sweat equity,” which shows they are invested in the outcome of their new home.

Sweat equity is earned through activities such as volunteering on a Habitat worksite, in the ReStores and through educational courses such as a First-Time Homebuyer, Financial Literacy and Credit Counseling classes.

To read the full article in the Orlando Sentinel, click here.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Is Now Accepting Applications For 10 New Homes through The Homeownership Program

May 14. Written by the South Lake Tablet.

Applications are now open for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s homeownership program for ten new homes being built throughout Lake and Sumter Counties.

Homes available for purchase through the Home Ownership Program are located across Lake and Sumter, including Tavares, Leesburg, Bushnell, Wildwood and Oxford. To learn more about Habitat’s Home Ownership program and how to apply, visit www.habitatls.org/apply.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter builds and sells affordable homes to individuals and families in Lake and Sumter counties who demonstrate need, meet program guidelines, and can sustain a monthly mortgage. In partnership with donors and volunteers, Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Home Ownership program provides families access, opportunity, and guidance on attaining an affordable home.

To read the full article in the South Lake Tablet, click here.

Kids Stuff: Time to think about summer camps

May 7, 2025. Written by the Triangle Sun.

June 10, 11 and 12, students ages 11 through 14 can join Construction Summer Camp, a program offered by Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. The fun and informational camp is intended to help students learn about construction trades by meeting and working with construction industry professionals.

The camp will be offered at Leesburg High School, located at 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg. Sessions will run 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. each day.

Registration opened May 2, and space is limited to the first 30 students. Sign up at https://forms.office.com/r/2nXFau9fL3.

For more information, call 352-483-0434, ext. 134, or email laurie@habitatls.org.

Read the entire article here.

Women Build kickoff in Tavares

April 23, 2025, Courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel. Complied by Orlando Sentinel Staff.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, in partnership with AgeWave Solutions, will have a Women Build pre-build celebration from 9 a.m. to noon May 3 at its new triplex construction project, 1318 Cottage Circle, Tavares. It is part of Habitat’s Tavares Cottages at Heritage Grove, a 55+ community. The event will include the raising of the first walls on the three affordable housing units.

Registration for the seventh annual Women Build is still open. Go to habitatls.org/women-build-2025 or contact Hannah at 352-630-8585 for details.

Family Receives House Built By VHS Students

April 19, 2025, Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun, Written by Garrett Shiflet, Daily Sun Staff Writer.

With a hammer and nails, students in The Villages High School are helping local families receive affordable housing.

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

You’re Invited: Home Dedication for the Marquez-Rodriguez Family

April 13, 2025, Courtesy of Orlando Sentinel.

You’re invited!

Join Habitat Lake-Sumter as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our Youth Construction Academy students! Together with Romac Building Supply, they’ve helped build a beautiful, affordable home for the Marquez-Rodriguez family—and now it’s time to honor their hard work and welcome this family home.

Come be part of this special moment filled with gratitude, inspiration, and community spirit!

The event will be held in the Leesburg High School Auditorium, at 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg, FL 34748.

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

Habitat for Humanity Opens Doors to Housing

April 7, 2025, Courtesy of The Villages Daily Sun. Written by Brea Jones, Daily Sun Staff Writer.

With over 2.4 million low-income Floridians feeling that keeping a roof over their head has become a burden, and half of those people spending over half their income on rent or mortgage, Danielle Stroud, CEO and president of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, said data illustrates the need of affordable housing for residents to stay in the county.

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

Faces & Places: Habitat Lake Sumter hosted a Neighborhood Block Party

April 2, 2025 Courtesy of the Triangle Sun.

March 29, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosted a neighborhood block party in Leesburg to celebrate success of its “Spruce Up the Block” initiativeand the hard work of community partners, residents and the Leesburg High School Youth Construction Academy. This year, students participated in providing simple exterior repairs and beautification for 15 homes in the Woodland Park neighborhood,thanks to the sponsorship of Florida Paints and their “Paint a Brighter Day.”

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

Final Days: RoMac Building Supply $20,000 Match Challenge For All Donations Made To Habitat Lake-Sumter In March!

March 28, 2025 Courtesy of The South Lake Tablet.

Matching donations benefit the Youth Construction Academy students

In March, all donations made to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will be matched by RoMac Building Supply. The $20,000 matching challenge funds the Youth Construction Academy, making it possible for students to build a home with Habitat Lake-Sumter.

Those interested in donating during the RoMac Match period can do so by going to www.habitatls.org/give or by mail to 1806 S Bay St, Eustis FL 32726.

Habitat’s Youth Construction Academy offers selected high school students from Leesburg High, Eustis High, Wildwood Middle High, South Lake High, and The Villages Charter School access to trades within the construction industry. Graduating students gain first-hand experience of principles taught in the classroom and hold industry certifications necessary for a career.

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

Duke Energy Florida and its foundation continue their commitment to affordable housing with $75,000 in donations to Habitat for Humanity

March 27, 2025 Courtesy of PR Newswire.

Today, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation announce $75,000 in grant funding to several Habitat for Humanity organizations in Florida. This brings the five-year total investment in affordable housing initiatives in the state to more than $200,000.

“Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Supporting nonprofit organizations like Habit for Humanity allows the company to improve the vitality of the communities we serve while making a lasting difference in the lives of individual customers.”

To advance home affordability in the state, Duke Energy Foundation has provided the following grants to directly support new homes and workforce training:

Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County and Greater Apopka: $5,000
Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter: $20,000
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside: $30,000

To read the full story from the PR Newswire, click here.

Habitat Lake-Sumter is partnering with AgeWave Solutions, Inc., for Women Build

March 27, 2025 Courtesy of The Triangle Sun.

Once again, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is partnering with AgeWave Solutions, Inc., for Women Build, an annual program created to provide access to affordable housing solutions for those who need it. This year, Women Build participants will be raising the walls for a new triplex in Habitat Lake-Sumter’s first 55+ community, the Cottages at Heritage Grove. With sponsorship from AgeWave, “we can serve three local families and help them achieve their dream of home ownership. The opportunity to own an affordable home can not only eliminate cost burdens for families, it provides them with a springboard to help their families thrive,” said Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat Lake-Sumter. Learn more at https://habitatls.org/women-build-2025.

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

Amazing Race for Charity is March 29 in Eustis

March 19, 2025 Courtesy of Orlando Sentinel Staff.

The Amazing Race for Charity 2025, a community-driven event benefiting 10 local charities and non-profits, is 8 a.m. March 29 at Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis.

The event challenges participating teams to navigate a 4-to-6-mile course, featuring 15 unique obstacles while raising funds for worthy organizations. This year’s designated recipients included Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Worth It Suicide Outreach and Support, Trout Lake Nature Center, Lake Cares Food Pantry, Education Foundation of Lake County, Hand in Hand Recovery, Episcopal Children’s Services, the Humane Society of Lake County, Companions for Courage, and LovExtension.

The City of Eustis recently became the annual fundraiser’s official host and organizer. The Amazing Race for Charity has raised more than $266,000 since its inception in 2014.

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

Habitat Lake-Sumter Hosts Kick-Off Party To Commence 7th Annual Women Build (March 20)

March 19, 2025 Courtesy of The South Lake Tablet.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will kick off its annual Women Build event with the Women Build Kick-Off Party at The Brick & Barrel Public House (Leesburg, FL) on Thursday, March 20^th, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Women Build 2025, and learn how you can be a part of building a home and uplifting the community with Habitat Lake-Sumter. Hear from a variety of speakers who will be sharing about how access to affordable housing solutions has impacted their lives and communities, including: Habitat Lake-Sumter CEO Danielle Stroud, past Habitat Home Owners, and this year’s presenting sponsor – AgeWave Solutions, Inc.

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

Calling For Affordable Housing

March 6, 2025 Courtesy of The Triangle Sun. Written by Lacie Himes.

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

Recently, we took our 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, board members Dionna Alston and Brad Weber, and I joined 400-plus advocates from across the country to make sure our community’s voice is heard.

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

LSSC Lakehawk Service Day 2025

February 25, 2025 Courtesy of Lake Front TV Leesburg.

At Lake Sumter State College, they believe in the power of service and community. This Service Day, faculty, and staff came together to make a lasting impact in our local area. From volunteering at Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Florida, local elementary Lake County Schools and supporting nonprofit organizations , …

To read the full story and view the video from Lake Front TV, click here.

Lake and Sumter Parade of Homes

February 19, 2025 Courtesy of Orlando Sentinel Staff.

This year, HBA of Lake and Sumter partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter to raise awareness for its mission and the need for housing in the community. Habitat will showcase a site-built affordable home within their 55+ community Cottages at Heritage Grove during the open house event.

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

Fighting for Homes, Pushing for Change: Habitat Takes Action in Tallahassee

This month, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter joined forces with Habitat affiliates across Florida for Habitat Florida State Lobby Day.

We met with our Lake and Sumter County members of Congress, including Rep. John Temple, Sen. Blaise Ingolia’s office, Sen. Keith Truenow, Rep. Nan Cobb, and Rep. Taylor Yarkowsky’s office, to discuss four key topics on affordable housing in our community and across the state. Additionally, we met with the Chair of the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development, Sen. Nick DiCeglie’s office, to share the impact of an important appropriations request this year.

Appropriations offer key funding sources for infrastructure needs in affordable housing projects. We are asking that members of Congress support Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Appropriations Request, sponsored by Rep. Nan Cobb and Sen. Keith Truenow, for Magnolia Landing—an 8-unit project that creates homeownership opportunities and builds the construction workforce with Leesburg High School.

We also urge support for comprehensive legislation like SB556 and HB1425, sponsored by Sen. Tom Wright and Rep. Anne Gerwig. This newly proposed legislation will assist property appraisers in making uniform determinations for affordable housing properties. Currently, affordable homes with resale restrictions are often assessed at market value, even though deed restrictions limit their resale values. This results in inflated property tax bills, making homeownership less affordable for low-income families.

Additionally, we advocate for continued funding of critical resources for housing and community development programs, including The Sadowski Housing Trust Fund and the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program. Both play a significant role in Habitat Lake-Sumter’s ability to build homes that are affordable for the families who live here.

Habitat homeownership would not be possible without public sector investment. State funding is often the first source of funding for a Habitat project and leverages a significant return on investment through private support from individual donors, congregations, foundations, and corporations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our legislators for their support of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter and their commitment to affordable housing. Their partnership helps make the dream of homeownership a reality for families in our community.

To learn more, contact Lacie@HabitatLS.org or 352-483-0434, ext. 146.

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.

The dwindling supply of affordable starter homes across America is a crisis that denies millions of families the foundation for stability and opportunity while straining communities and hindering economic growth. In response, Habitat for Humanity is stepping up to advocate for bold solutions, many of which will be highlighted this week at Habitat on the Hill, the organization’s annual legislative event.

This week, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter will join hundreds of local Habitat organizations and housing advocates in a united call to Congress: It’s time to address the housing crisis with urgency. 

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

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.

Our team’s day began bright and early with a 6 a.m. flight to the capital. After landing, we took some time to visit the National Mall and historic landmarks, including Ford’s Theater and the National Portrait Gallery—taking a moment to reflect on the power of leadership and change.

In the evening, we gathered at Planet Word with advocates from across the Habitat network to prepare for upcoming meetings on Capitol Hill. Connecting with other passionate housing advocates set the stage for the important conversations ahead!

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.

Day 3: On the Hill

On our third day in Washington D.C., we joined more than 400 Habitat advocates from across the country, representing over 1,000 Habitat organizations to talk about the importance of home affordability, the current lack of homeownership supply, and some of Habitat’s legislative priorities.

We know that our representatives are diligently working to finalize the FY2025 budget, and we are asking Congress to approve the fiscal year 2025 appropriations process as soon as possible, providing robust funding for vital housing and community development programs.

Because we see the impact of how federal dollars are used locally, across the state, and around the nation, we are also asking for support of a variety of programs in the FY2026 budget. You can read about Habitat Lake-Sumter’s legislative priorities (and how you can help advocate alongside us) here.

We joined forces with Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County to meet with Rep. John Rutherford to discuss these topics and advocate for his support. We also met with Rep. Daniel Webster and shared our legislative asks along with the local impact that these programs have in Lake County.

Later, we met with newly appointed Senator Ashley Moody’s office.

We finished the day at the legislative reception where Senator Raphael Warnock, among others, was honored with a Housing Champion Award.

Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Safe, secure and affordable homes provide the foundation for success in so many aspects of our lives, including our health, job possibilities, and children’s educational achievement. Affordable housing for families is vital to successful local economies and forms the bedrock of strong, thriving communities.

But record-high home prices are pushing the dream of homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans. As a nation, we need new solutions and a deeper commitment to making lasting, affordable homeownership attainable for all.

Habitat cannot build our way to this vision ourselves. But by lending our voices to workable policy solutions at all levels of government, we can multiply our efforts to put homeownership within reach of millions more Americans.

Want a summary of how federal funds are invested by Habitat Lake-Sumter? Check out our 2025 Federal Legislative Priorities Fast Fact Sheet Here!

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

We are deeply saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter. His lifelong commitment to service, especially through Habitat for Humanity, leaves a legacy that continues to inspire many to work and advocate for decent housing for all.

Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, became a prominent advocate for affordable housing and social justice. In 1984, the first Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project was initiated—a six-story apartment building renovation in New York City that helped provide 19 families .

Over more than 35 years, the Carters led the Work Project, bringing together over 108,100 volunteers who have helped build, renovate, or repair more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries.

Their commitment to service has positively impacted thousands by providing decent housing and has inspired countless others to take action. As his grandson Jason Carter once said, “It’s amazing what you can cram into 100 years.”

To honor his legacy, we invite you to visit the memorial installation dedicated to him at the Eustis ReStore (710 S Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726). This installation stands as a testament to his dedication to humanity and the values he championed throughout his life. The memorial will be open to the public starting at 10 AM on January 30th and will remain accessible through the end of February.

Let’s honor his legacy by working together towards a future where everyone has access to a safe and decent place to live.

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

As the new year begins, many of us are motivated to make a positive impact. If your resolutions include getting more involved in your community, here are 5 ways you can do that with Habitat Lake-Sumter:

1.Give: Every dollar given to Habitat Lake-Sumter is poured back directly into our community. Your generosity provides new affordable housing opportunities, critical home repairs, and other crucial affordable housing resources to families across Lake and Sumter Counties. No matter the amount, when you donate to Habitat Lake-Sumter, you’re contributing directly to changing your community for the better.

Looking for a way to create change and be involved all year long? Become a monthly donor and carry your resolution throughout the year! Interested in giving? Donate online here or contact Kim at kim@habitatls.org for more information.

2.Volunteer: Habitat Lake-Sumter runs on volunteers, and we always need an extra set of hands! Whether you’re a pro with a hammer or a total construction novice, there’s a place for you with Habitat Lake-Sumter. Volunteer opportunities can be found on our construction sites, in our offices, and even at our ReStores.

Make new friends and learn new skills by volunteering with Habitat-Lake Sumter. Your time can help turn someone’s dream into reality! Want to volunteer? Contact Carlos at carlos@habitatls.org for more information.

3.Share: An easy way to help positively influence your community this year is by sharing Habitat Lake-Sumter’s mission, the work we’re doing, and the resources we provide. We want everyone to have a decent place to live, and to know that Habitat Lake-Sumter is a resource to help make that happen. Helping connect us with folks that are passionate about affordable housing change, or families that need our assistance is one of the greatest ways to be involved in the Habitat-Lake Sumter community.

Chat with friends and family or share on social media – there’s no wrong way to spread the word! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and online at www.habitatls.org.

4.Clean out your Clutter: Is giving your space a fresh start on your resolution list as well? Consider giving your gently used items to your local ReStore. Our ReStores accept many types of furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials, and more. Donating is hassle-free – you can make your donation at either of our ReStore locations, or schedule a free order pick-up with our dispatch center.

The best part? All proceeds from our ReStores go directly towards supporting our mission to build homes, communities, and hope. Ready to schedule your donation pick-up? Call our dispatch center at 352-589-3005.

5.Join Us for Women Build: Women Build is an annual event that brings together women-led teams to fundraise for and construct a brand-new affordable home for a deserving family in our community. The impact of this event goes well beyond just one home, however – it ripples out. Our Women Builders make a community-wide impact as advocates for simple, affordable housing for all.

Fundraising for Women Build runs from March through May, and volunteers are welcome out on site from May to October.

Women Build is the perfect opportunity to create meaningful change right in your backyard, and invites you to bring your friends and family along for the ride with you.

Mobilize your community and multiply your impact through Women Build! Join the movement on March 20th for our Women Build Kickoff party to learn more about the event and how you can be involved. Reach out to Hannah at hannah@habitatls.org for more details.

Want to go a step further? Participate in our BINGO GAME! Complete five in a row and make yourself a winner. Let us know when you win by emailing us at marketing@habitatls.org!

Together, we can build a stronger community and help those in need. Let’s make this year one of meaningful action!

Here is the full game piece:

Thankful For New Beginnings: Meet Audrey Richards

What’s new in Audrey Richards’ life? She’s officially a Habitat homeowner, having moved into her new house built in 2024! As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to celebrate Audrey’s fresh start.

After over five years of renting and facing steep rent increases, Audrey decided it was time for a change. Living in Leesburg, she had tried multiple times to buy a home, but things never seemed to work out. Then, a conversation with a coworker about Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter changed everything for her.

When Audrey learned Habitat Lake-Sumter was planning to build homes for people aged 55 and older in our Cottages at Heritage Grove, she felt it was a perfect match. Intrigued, she began researching and applied for a new home.

Audrey has had nothing but positive experiences working with Habitat Lake-Sumter on her homeownership journey. “Whenever I had a question, Veronica, our Programs Director, was always quick to respond. Everyone has been so supportive,” she says.

Audrey looks forward to her own “place to call home” thanks to Habitat Lake-Sumter. Beyond gaining a house, she’s excited about the friendships she’s forming through the sweat equity program. To fulfill her required 200 hours of volunteering, Audrey has been helping out at the local ReStore.

Her children are thrilled about this change in her life. They’ve been helping her rack up those sweat equity hours and are even planning a little housewarming get-together.

Audrey can’t wait to personalize her new space and make it her own. She never imagined she would own a home at this stage in her life and is looking forward to creating a peaceful living environment.

Congratulations to Audrey on this exciting new chapter for her and her family!

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

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter joins the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and joins observances around the world to remember his life of service. He and Rosalynn Carter have served as Habitat for Humanity’s most famous volunteers over the 35 years they helped to build affordable housing with the organization.

“Our prayers will be with the Carter family. President Carter will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on through the hearts and minds of the many families he served so diligently over the years.” Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter

“We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with Mrs. Carter and the rest of the Carter family,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia, soon bringing worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy will live on in every family we serve around the world.”

After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Each year since then, the Carters have volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987.

“I think every human being has within himself or herself a desire to reach out to others and to share some of our blessings with those who are in need,” President Carter has said. “What’s opened up that avenue for me and my wife and hundreds and thousands of others is Habitat for Humanity. It makes it easy for us to reach out and work side by side with the homeowner who’s never had a decent house, perhaps. I haven’t been on a Habitat project that I wasn’t thrilled and inspired, and wept.”

Inspiring millions over the last three decades, President and Mrs. Carter have worked alongside more than 104,000 volunteers across the U.S. and in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,390 homes. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served more than 46 million people around the world.

In 2016, Habitat named President and Mrs. Carter as the inaugural Habitat Humanitarians for their extraordinary dedication to service in alignment with Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating President Carter’s life of service with local observances. To learn more or to share a tribute, visit habitat.org.

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.

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.

The Veterans Housing Initiative seeks to help veterans and their families find the housing assistance they need, whether that means a chance at home ownership or help with home repairs and accessibility modifications. Through the Veterans Housing Initiative, we are also able to provide our community’s veterans with access and referrals to additional wrap-around services like food security, health and wellness resources, and financial counseling.

We successfully launched our Veterans Housing initiative with the completion of a 14-unit pocket neighborhood, The Umatilla Veterans Village, in 2018. Since then, our program has grown to include new construction, preservation, and critical home repairs for veterans throughout Lake and Sumter Counties.

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.

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.

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:

Thursday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Friday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday	9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday	Closed
Monday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Tuesday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday	9:30 AM–6 PM

Leesburg ReStore

Phone: (352) 728-6366

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

Hours:

Thursday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Friday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday	9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday	Closed
Monday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Tuesday	9:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday	9:30 AM–6 PM

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

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

woman holding up brand new home keys 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

Three people standing in front of building home in background 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

Publix Volunteer Measuring Siding 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

Woman holding up hammer to wooden frame of 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

Man holds up keys to new home 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!

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.”

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!

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!

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.

Upcoming Events

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.

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.

#givingtuesday

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

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

The Villages Habitat Club Creative Emporium – Grand Opening

Join The Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club at the grand opening of The Creative Emporium at the Leesburg ReStore!

Join us on Monday, October 2^nd, 2023 at 9am for the Official Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Visit the newly-renovated location, shop eclectic home décor, artisan pieces, and much more!

Need to Know:

Grand Opening on Monday, October 2nd at 200 N. Lone Oak Drive, Leesburg, FL
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9am
- Co-President, Kevin Tucker will be grilling and serving lunch at 12pm
Store Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 9:30am – 4pm
Store Closed: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
The Habitat Villages Club member creations include eclectic décor, handmade gifts, and more
Every purchase supports Habitat’s mission to build and preserve local homes

The mission of the Habitat Villages Club is to directly support Habitat Lake-Sumter’s construction and preservation of homes in our local area. The Habitat Villages Club completed it’s third new home build in November 2022, from fundraising to hands-on construction, the clubs members did it all. Through club activities, the members help provide strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter to the families throughout Lake and Sumter Counties. There are many facets to the club and they welcome all Villagers, whether they are handy with a hammer or not – all skills and talents can be put to good use.

Sally Read, co-president of the club, said, “All the members love their involvement with Habitat, but they could not build homes without the support of the community.”

When you purchase items from The Creative Emporium at the Leesburg ReStore, you make it possible for The Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club to build and repair homes for the families in Lake and Sumter counties.

Here’s a little snippet of fun that the creative, hardworking members of The Villages Habitat Club have: