Hometown Habitat News

Mark Your Calendar: Homeownership Pre-Applications Open on May 14

 

Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Home Ownership Applications open May 14, 2025—your chance to build a future through affordable homeownership. Beginning May 14th, you will be able to complete a pre-application online.

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 through our Home Ownership Program.

 Through the Home Ownership Program, selected applicants will work with Habitat to purchase a brand-new site-built home with a mortgage that is affordable for your family. 

We can’t wait to walk alongside you in your home-buying experience.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• Annual household income
• Credit score

 

To qualify, applicants must:

• Live or work in Lake or Sumter county for at least 6 months
• Be willing to partner with Habitat for up to 12 months
• Demonstrate a need for affordable housing
• Have verifiable income
• Be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Be able to qualify for a mortgage
• Credit Matters – target score of 640

 

Click here to view full qualification criteria.

Know someone who could benefit? Share this opportunity—it could help build a forever home.

Mark your calendar – May 14th is coming up quick.

Questions? Contact Veronica Troxell, Programs Director, at (352) 483-0434 ext. 124 or Veronica@HabitatLS.org.

 

Spend Your Summer with Habitat Lake-Sumter!

 

Looking for meaningful ways to give back this summer? Whether you’re interested in getting your hands dirty on a build site, browsing for unique finds, or helping behind the scenes, Habitat Lake-Sumter has a place for you!

New Construction Build in Oxford or Lady Lake

Join us in Oxford, where multiple homes are currently under construction at 10244 CR 229. We also have a new build site in Lady Lake! No experience? No problem! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or brand-new to a build site, there’s a task for everyone—and every helping hand makes a difference.

Treasure Hunt in the ReStore (Leesburg & Eustis)

Looking for one-of-a-kind furniture, home goods, or DIY inspiration? Stop by our ReStores! Every purchase supports local families and helps build more affordable homes in our community.

Volunteer at Our Admin Office (Eustis)

If your strengths lie behind the camera or at a computer, we’ve got creative opportunities for you too! From capturing homeowner stories to creating video content, there’s no limit to the impact you can have. 

Ready to roll up your sleeves?

Call us at 352-483-0434 or email us at info@habitatls.org to let us know how you wish to get involved.

This summer, make your time count!

Women Build 2025 Recap

 

We’re just a few months into Women Build 2025, and the momentum is already incredible. From raising the first walls of our future triplex to the generosity flowing in from across Lake and Sumter Counties, this year’s campaign is shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet.

So far, over $63,000 has been raised by a passionate group of women leaders—and the numbers keep growing!

Let’s take a look back at some of the unforgettable moments we’ve shared so far:

Women Build Kick-Off Party 

We had the best time meeting so many of our (mostly new!) Women Builders at this year’s Women Build Kickoff event! From delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks to keepsake Polaroids and meaningful conversations—it was a beautiful night to launch this season of building together.

We were especially inspired by the Foster family, Habitat homeowners who reminded us exactly why we do this work. Their story was the perfect spark to get us ready to raise walls and raise funds this year.

Huge thanks to Agewave Solutions for showing up and sharing why Women Build matters to them—it’s always incredible to hear how this movement is impacting our partners and community.

Sip & Stroll at the Leesburg ReStore

A few of our Women Builders and Habitat homeowners joined us for a relaxed evening exploring the treasures of the ReStore—with a glass of wine in hand, of course! It was a fun and meaningful way to connect, share stories, and celebrate the mission behind Women Build.

Pre-Build Wall Raising Celebration

We had an incredible morning out on the build site raising the first walls of the Women Build triplex! It was a big moment—not just for construction, but for the community of women (and a few great guys!) who are making this triplex possible.

We got to celebrate our top fundraisers and officially welcome a few new members into the Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hats—a group of women who raised $1,500 or more for Women Build. Special inductees into this years Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hats included Verna Fitzsimmons, Hannah Zeller, and Ale’jah Poole. That pink hard hat represents more than fundraising… it’s about showing up, digging in, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

This years top fundraisers were 1st Place -Denise Hatton, 2nd Place – Kristin Sullivan, and 3rd Place was Suzan Tanner Woodward. Thank you to everyone who came out, cheered us on, swung a hammer, or made this milestone happen.

 

HUGE thank you to Agewave Solutions!

Women Build wouldn’t be what it is without partners like Agewave Solutions. Their support—financially, emotionally, and physically—has helped bring this mission to life in such a meaningful way.

It’s rare and special to see a partner so fully committed, not just to the project, but to the people behind it. Watching Agewave’s design come to life—through their own hands on the build site—was a powerful reminder of how much impact community collaboration can have.

Cheers to Fifth Third Bank!

The Women Build Wall Raising was a joyful and unforgettable celebration—and we have Fifth Third Bank to thank for making it truly special. From the brunch spread to the mimosas, and yes—even the pom poms!—Fifth Third helped us create a moment that felt both fun and meaningful.

Volunteers on our Women Build site!

So far we have hosted First National Bank of Mount Dora! They did such a wonderful job helping staff member Kory with framing! 

Want to volunteer?

We’ve had a blast connecting with you, sharing stories, and fundraising for a cause that changes lives. And the best part? We’re just getting started.

Construction on the Women Build triplex will continue from May through October, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Whether you want to swing a hammer, cheer from the sidelines, or help behind the scenes—there’s a role for everyone.

Looking to get your team involved? We offer Team Build Days for local businesses who want to give back, get hands-on, and boost team spirit—all while supporting affordable housing in our community.

Call us at 352-483-0434 or email info@habitatls.org to find out how you can join an upcoming build day. (Individual builders must raise $250 for Women Build to select a volunteer date!)

 

Want to Help Us Reach our $100,000 goal?

Donate now at www.habitatls.org/women-build-2025/.

From Lake-Sumter to the World: Build with Us Abroad

 

If you’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, you know the powerful impact we make right here in our community. Now, we’re making that impact global!

This June, a group of 12 volunteers from Habitat Lake-Sumter will travel to Chimaltenango, Guatemala, to partner with a local family and help build a safe, stable home. By day, we’ll roll up our sleeves on the construction site; by night, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Guatemala—enjoying traditional meals and meaningful connection.

We still have 4 spots available for this life-changing experience, happening June 15-21, and we’d love for you to join us! The trip cost is $1,768 + airfare (estimated at $500).

Worried about cost? Many of our volunteers fundraise their way to Global Village trips—we can help you get started!

The payment deadline is May 1^st.

Ready to build with us abroad or want to learn more about future Global Village trips? Contact Danielle Stroud, our affiliate CEO and your trip leader, at danielle@habitatls.org or 352-630-3318.

Global Village Trip Flyer

Meet Josh: A Habitat employee to future Habitat homeowner

 

Joshua Fulwider was a senior in the Youth Construction Academy with The Villages High School during the 2020–2021 school year. If you ask him about that time, he’ll tell you he loved every bit of it.

Unfortunately, later that same year, Josh suffered a very serious spinal cord injury. He had a compression fracture in his vertebrae—so severe that if it had been any lower or higher, he would’ve been left paralyzed. This injury impacted many areas of Josh’s life, and he started to lose hope that he would be able to pursue his passion for construction in the future.

Josh, however, was determined to get back on his feet and back out on site. Just 11 months later, he was ready to pick up his tools and get to work.

While exploring his options for post-graduation employment, Josh reached back out to the place that fostered his love of construction – Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. He applied right after high school but was not initially selected for the job.

Then, in March of 2023, Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat Lake-Sumter, gave him a phone call—and by May, Josh officially started as a Crew Leader.

Now, Josh is not only a former YCA student and a Crew Leader—soon, he’ll be a Habitat homeowner. His closing is set for May 2025 on a home that Habitat has been rehabilitating since early October 2024. He’s even helped work on the house himself—painting, cleaning up trim, installing backsplash, and more.

Josh is most excited to have a new home to start a family, and a place to come back to after a long day’s work. He, his girlfriend, their ball python, and their 20-gallon fish tank will all be moving in together!

Josh says he feels excited and blessed—that his story shows just how strong the power of God is. Before joining Habitat Lake-Sumter, he was constantly stressed. Now, he says he doesn’t see his job as a job. He sees it as a blessing. And getting a home in today’s market, at just 21 years old? He explains that he’s grateful, and considered himself lucky to have this opportunity. 

Just like every other family that walks alongside Habitat Lake-Sumter on their road to homeownership, Josh had to meet all the qualifications for the Home Ownership program, including extensive financial education, and fulfilling 200 hours of sweat equity. 

Josh went from never imagining himself in construction again to coming full circle—as a Habitat professional and soon-to-be Habitat homeowner.

“Habitat has humbled me,” he says. He loves attending dedications and seeing firsthand how life-changing owning a Habitat home can be.

Josh wants people to know not to give up. “As big as your problems may feel, there’s always a solution. And in the end—it’s all worth it. You’ll come out stronger than before.”

May 17: Expert in the ReStore Day

 

Navigating the process of applying for affordable housing resources can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is hosting Expert in the ReStore Days—a free, in-person opportunity to connect directly with our knowledgeable Programs Team.

During this special event, you can stop by your local ReStore and speak with a Habitat expert about the programs we offer, including homeownership, critical home repairs, and financial education resources. Programs staff will also be available to help you fill out your Home Ownership Program Pre-Application, which will be open and available during the event. 

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to apply, our team is here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward stability.

Join us on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 11 AM–4 PM at either our Eustis or Leesburg ReStore locations to learn more.

Can’t make it in person? No problem. You can reach our Programs Team anytime at programs@habitatls.org or (352) 483-0434—we’re happy to help!

September Groundbreakings

 

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

Groundbreaking Celebrations

Leesburg High School Construction Academy  *IMPORTANT CHANGE*

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

 

Eustis High School Construction Academy

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

 

The Villages Charter School Construction Academy

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

 

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

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

Ribbon Cutting Celebration

New Covenant United Methodist Church

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

 

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

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

Continue Your Education Online with Habitat Lake-Sumter and ed2go

 

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

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

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

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

 

Deadline Approaching – Apply for your Playhouse Today!

 

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

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

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

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

Click here to download the application.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Erika Acosta

 

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

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

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

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

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