Fort Myers, FL, May 20, 2011 – Thirteen Habitat for Humanity homeowners dreamed of homeownership years ago, and with the help of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties achieved the American dream of owning their own home. Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at 5:15 p.m. they will celebrate another major accomplishment, the final payment and satisfaction of their mortgages. Homeowners, along with the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors and staff will participate in a Mortgage Burning Ceremony at Habitat for Humanity, 1288 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Ft. Myers, Florida.
In an economy where so many homeowners are faced with foreclosures, it is truly wonderful when we can celebrate such a great accomplishment. Habitat for Humanity has closed 48 mortgages this fiscal year, and currently has 35 candidates enrolled in the homeownership program. They have provided more than 1,100 homes for families in Lee and Hendry Counties since 1982.
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties’ mission is to provide affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals with zero interest mortgages. Partnering families must commit to 250 sweat equity hours, pay $1,200 toward closing cost and qualify for a mortgage. Habitat provides a hand up, not a hand out with the ultimate goal of eliminating substandard housing in our communities. For further information call (239) 652-0434 or visit www.habitat4humanity.org.
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Cape Coral, FL, April 30, 2011 – In the days leading up to Mother’s Day, female volunteers will pound nails and raise walls at Habitat for Humanity construction sites in all 50 states in recognition of National Women Build Week, April 30 – May 8.
This week, in Cape Coral, local sponsors, Lowe’s Heroes and female volunteers came together on Saturday, April 30 to begin renovation of the Wolcott family’s new home. Michelle Wolcott, a single mother with two young sons, has been temporarily living with her parents, pending completion of her new home. She is participating in the renovation alongside local women volunteers donning pink hardhats. Thanks to their efforts, Wolcott and her sons will spend Mother’s Day together in their new home.
Lowe’s has provided Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties with a $5,000 Lowe’s store gift card and led an on-site How-to clinic in support of this weeklong renovation.
“Thanks to the generosity of Lowe’s and all our Women Build sponsors, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties will rehabilitate one of the many homes on the market,” says Kitty Green, CEO and president of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Our women volunteers are very passionate about helping the Wolcotts and learning the skills necessary to help eliminate poverty housing in Southwest Florida. Their hard work will help make the dream of home ownership a reality for the Wolcott family.”
Lowe’s has committed more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week in support of more than 250 participating affiliates. Lowe’s, the underwriter of Habitat’s Women Build program, recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.
More than 140 individuals and companies contributed to the $50,000 sponsorship fee that makes the Wolcott home renovation possible. Major local sponsors include Edison National Bank, Jeannie Steidel with ReMax Realty, Nuviva Medical Weight Loss and three teams of individuals including Gail Markham, Jennifer Berg, Neale Montgomery, Stephanie Keyes, Kitty Cronin, Sharon Kiesel, Jennifer Keene, Albania Crosbie, Leslie Kinsey, Loretta Goldenberg, Stacey Cannington, Michelle Laboda, Cyndi Deragon Mudgett, Brenda Tate, Mary Moore, Lou Pontius, Tonya Schrott and Linda Uhler. Other sponsors include CRS Technology Consultants and Peggy Burt, Florida Land Title Services.
“Lowe’s has been the proud sponsor of Habitat’s Women Build program since 2004. This innovative program encourages women from all walks of life to pick up their hammers and build homes alongside Habitat partner families,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president and COO and chairman of the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Lowe’s salutes the thousands of women who’ve volunteered on Habitat job sites during the past 20 years and for years to come.”
(March 9, 2011, Fort Myers, FL): Habitat for Humanity of Lee County has partnered with 28 Hendry County families in their pursuit of affordable homeownership since 2001. In an effort to more fully serve Hendry County families, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County officially changed its name to Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. CEO and President Kitty Green commented, “This decision to expand the name is a natural progression of our mission and conveys our commitment to Hendry County low-income families.”
Habitat previously partnered with more than 100 members of the Summit Church of Fort Myers to provide homes in LaBelle for four families. Habitat also has homes in Port LaBelle and Clewiston.
In Hendry County, many households make less than half the area median income of approximately $38,000. Although, inexpensive homes are now widely available, the cost is still out of reach for low-income families. There is a great need in Hendry County for affordable housing and Habitat is increasing its commitment to help low-income families in the area with a hand up.
Since 1979, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry counties has served 1,164 families, housing more than 3,000 individuals. They are currently servicing approximately 500 Habitat mortgages.
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides simple, decent housing for families who otherwise could not afford it. It is one of the largest affiliates in the country. Through the use of volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, homes are sold to the homeowners at no profit with an interest-free mortgage, making homeownership an affordable reality. For further information call (239) 652.0434 or visit www.habitat4humanity.org.
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