Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott donates $3.5 million to Habitat Seminole-Apopka

A transformational gift

We are deeply grateful to be selected by Mackenzie Scott for this transformational gift. This amazing contribution validates the work we have accomplished locally over the past 30 years. Even more, it is a testament to the donors and volunteers who have enabled us to build more than 200 houses so far. We couldn't do our work without them.”

Penny Seater, Habitat for Humanity of Apopka/Seminole

As part of an unrestricted, $436 million gift to Habitat for Humanity International and 84 U.S. Habitat affiliate organizations from American author and philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, Habitat Seminole-Apopka has received a transformational $3.5 million. The gift will substantially help the affiliate realize its goal of providing affordable housing and financial education. 

"We are deeply grateful to be selected by Mackenzie Scott for this transformational gift," said Habitat Seminole-Apopka CEO Penny Seater. "This amazing contribution validates the work we have accomplished locally over the past 30 years. Even more, it is testament to the donors and volunteers who have enabled us build more than 200 houses so far. We couldn't do our work without them."

The generous gift will help this Habitat affiliate to continue its question to bridge the home ownership wealth gap in underprivileged areas within Seminole County and Apopka. It will help them to create even more affordable housing than envisioned in the next few years, enabling even more local residents to realize their homeownership dream in a manner they can afford. The gift will also help provide financial wellness education for first-time homebuyers, whether or not in Habitat's program. 

With housing affordability in Central Florida at crisis levels, this transformational gift, as well as the continuing local support, could not come at a better time. Our community will benefit from families being stably housed and the many positive social outcomes - such as better health, higher graduation rates, lower crime and pregnancy rates - that come with homeownership. 

Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka has completed more than 200 homes in our 30 years of serving the local community. Through financial donations and volunteer labor, Habitat builds simple, decent, affordable homes which are sold to low-to-moderate income families in the community at no profit and are financed with a modest mortgage. Homebuyers contribute sweat-equity, helping to build their home as well as those of other, future homebuyers. To learn more about Habitat Seminole-Apopka or to donate, visit http://habitatseminoleapopka.org.