Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is partnering with four (4) builders to build four (4) new homes for future Habitat homeowners in just five (5) days. The Builders Blitz will be held next week starting with the kick-off Monday, February 4 at 7 a.m. and will conclude on Saturday, February 9 at 10 a.m. with a celebratory home dedication ceremony for the four new homeowners.
In addition, the nonprofit will celebrate with their Cornerstone Guild giving society members at a breakfast on the build site on Thursday, February 7, 7:30-9:30 am, at which Orange County Mayor, Jerry L. Demings, will stress the importance of affordable housing in Orange County. In fact, the County committed a total of $1.2 million to help bring this affordable housing neighborhood to fruition. The County has also helped fast-track the project’s permitting process.
Attendees may tour the homes under construction following the program. The build site is located in Orange County at Arbor Bend in South Apopka, 1221 South Washington Avenue, Apopka, FL.
Professional builders and subcontractors donate the necessary building materials, supplies and hours of labor for the weeklong event to help change the lives of four families who will be calling Arbor Bend home. Arbor Bend is Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s third community which will feature 34 homes upon its completion this year.
Participating Builders include K. Hovnanian Homes, Park Square Homes, PCL Construction and Pulte Homes.
“To pull off the amazing feat of building four homes in five days requires the partnership of generous builders, the engagement of all their subcontractors, significant support from Orange County, and months of planning and preparation,” said Catherine Steck McManus, President and CEO of Habitat Orlando & Osceola. “Building industry professionals understand the importance and impact of having a safe, affordable home. When builders provide the labor, funding and materials, it allows Habitat Orlando & Osceola to serve even more homeowners. We are grateful for everyone’s generosity in making this week a reality.”
Anna and her three children lived in a motel for six years while she saved money to rent an apartment and buy furnishings. But rent took up a large percentage of Anna’s gross income, making it difficult to pay for other necessities. Additionally, her middle daughter was diagnosed with a brain disorder whose vision has deteriorated so much that they can begin applying for a service dog to assist her once they are in a home of their own.
Lizbeth currently shares an over-crowded two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with her sister and her sister’s family. In addition to being over-crowded, the apartment is infested with roaches, has poor maintenance and is in an unsafe neighborhood. Lizbeth works full-time at Walmart as a cashier and part-time at Costco as a brand ambassador. Her dream is to return to school to become an x-ray technician.
Rodreca is the mother of three daughters and one son. They are currently sharing a substandard, over-crowded subsidized apartment in an unsafe neighborhood. Rodreca has always wanted a home for her family and she is looking forward to realizing that dream soon.
Patricia is living in an overcrowded apartment with her two sons who must share a bedroom. Patricia works fulltime in guest services at Arnold Palmer and Winnie Palmer Hospitals. She can’t wait for the day when her two sons can help decorate their own rooms and she can have a bedroom of her own.
About Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County partners with sponsors, donors and volunteers to build affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen communities. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage, achieving the strength, stability and independence to build a better life for themselves and their families.
HNeighborhood Revitalization efforts are tailored to address the vision of residents who take on leadership roles in their community’s renewal. Residents are empowered to revive their neighborhood through repairs, beautification projects, community cleanups and developing community partnerships to enhance their quality of life and to nurture their sustainability.
Habitat Orlando & Osceola is one of Habitat for Humanity International’s affiliates working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. To learn more about Habitat Orlando & Osceola, call (407) 648-4567 or visitwww.habitatorlandoosceola.org, like us on Facebook/habitatorlandoosceola and follow us on Twitter @HabitatOrlOsc and on Instagram @habitatorlandoosceola.
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