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.