Hometown Habitat News

Sponsor of the Month: Publix Super Markets Charities

Black Family Dedication with Publix Super Markets Charities Header 2023

For single mother Katy Black, Publix Super Markets Charities has helped radically changed the life of her family.  Publix Super Markets Charities awarded Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter a $50,000 grant in 2023, as signature sponsor of her new home that was constructed in Eustis, FL. Annually, Publix Super Markets Charities has been contributing $35,000 since 2015. Their gift of $50,000 is an increased investment in affordable housing in Lake County and their largest award to Habitat Lake-Sumter to-date.

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 will now live closer to work, which will lessen her travel expenses significantly. Owning an affordable home will provide Katy and her son the financial freedom they need to improve their future outlook.

“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.”

           -Katy Black, Homeowner

This home sponsorship has also served as a visual representation of the high-level commitment that Publix has to supporting the community and families. Katy and Chase, along with volunteers from the community, youth groups, and local Publix stores, have put in many hours of sweat equity building their home. To date, there has been 122 volunteers and 2,244 hours spent building this family’s home, including two days of volunteer support from local Publix team members. The home is now completed and Habitat Lake-Sumter invites you to celebrate as Publix helps hand over the keys to the new homeowner.

Katy and Chase are so grateful and excited to embark on this new journey as homeowners.

“Finally, we have something to look forward to and before we know it, we are going to have a safe place to live and call HOME.  This whole journey will all be worth it in the end, and I can’t wait to pull the moving truck into the driveway of our new home.”

-Katy

Our partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities and volunteers, makes it possible to provide local partner families access, opportunity, and guidance on attaining an affordable home. It has been a great example of what it means to be a changemaker, paying it forward and giving back into your communities.

Media and public are invited to join us on Thursday, June 29th at 9AM for the Black Family Home Dedication Ceremony.

For location and details, please contact Melanie at 352-483-0434 EXT 141