Hometown Habitat News

Habitat group nets top honor

Jakobe Zick, a member of The Villages High School Construction Management Academy, nails a roof truss into place on a home being built for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter in Lady Lake. The organization was named 2020 Non-Profit of the Year by the Lake County Chamber Alliance. George Horsford, Daily Sun

Kent Adcock stood proudly with members of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter as they accepted an award highlighting their efforts throughout the community for the past year.

The award, a bronze eagle statue, was given to the group as recognition for it being the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year,

Having been around since 1989, the group is dedicated to serving individuals in Lake and Sumter counties with access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions.

It was recognized by the Lake County Chamber Alliance, which annually recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication, selfless service and commitment make a difference in the community.

“Receiving the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year Award is a significant milestone for Habitat Lake-Sumter,” said Lacie Himes, development director for the nonprofit. “With the uncertainty of the pandemic, Habitat Lake-Sumter faced many challenges to continue their mission to build homes, communities and hope.”

Accomplishments Through A Pandemic

Despite temporarily closing the ReStores, or thrift stores, that help support the nonprofit and the suspension of volunteers from construction sites, the organization was still able to complete some major projects.

“Our volunteers were able to complete construction of five homes for local families even in the middle of the pandemic,” Himes said.  “Even with the finished construction of five homes, we also began construction on eight new homes and repaired

21 others, providing safe and stable housing for 29 families when being home was a key factor to health and security throughout the pandemic.”

Some of these constructions were completed by The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club and the Habitat for Humanity Youth Construction Academies, a partnership with The Villages High School, Leesburg High School and South Lake High School students who start learning the skills they need for careers in the construction industry. 

Click here to read the full article by Andrea Davis, Daily Sun Senior Writer