 |
|
|
|
|
Another Blitz is in the books! Park Square Homes builds 10th Habitat house for local family
Park Square Homes celebrated the completion of their 10th Habitat home on Feb. 9 during the home dedication ceremony for Park Square Homes Blitz 2024.
After more than 25 vendors and contractors came together to donate the labor and materials to build the home, Park Square Homes presented the keys to future homeowners Margarita and Richard.
"I encourage Park Square Homes and Habitat to continue to pour into people because you guys are changing the world one house at a time," Margarita said.
| |
|
Meet our Blitz homeowners: Margarita & Richard
Margarita said what she’s most looking forward to about purchasing her Habitat home is the additional time it will allow her to spend with her family.
The wife and mother of two works full-time as a financial aid analyst for a local medical college during the week and extra on the weekends to cover ever-rising rent and insurance costs. She became the family’s breadwinner after her husband of 20 years, Richard, was diagnosed with a muscle disorder and was no longer able to work.
She said the affordable mortgage her family will pay after purchasing their home will allow her to work less and spend more time with her husband and their two children, ages 19 and 10.
| |
Reflecting on our Board's trip to Tallahassee to Face The Housing Crisis™
By Pete Barr Jr., Board ChairLast month, I was proud to be among nearly two dozen Habitat Orlando & Osceola County Board members and staff who boarded a bus bound for Florida’s capital. We traveled halfway across the state to speak face-to-face with legislators about how our community can work together to Face The Housing Crisis™.
We met with eight of our state legislators to ask them to help create a brand-new Housing Readiness Center. This facility would play a pivotal role in offering resources, staff and educational programs dedicated to enhancing residents' financial literacy and preparedness for homeownership. If approved, the Center would be a comprehensive hub catering to the needs of both renters and homeowners.
| |
Upcoming free classes
Habitat U classes and HUD First Time Homebuyer Workshops are free but space is limited, so please reserve your space today!
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.
| |
Looking for resources?
🏠 Homeownership Program applications are open for new construction homes just minutes from downtown Orlando. Learn more >
🤝 HUD Housing Counseling offers free one-on-one counseling and First-time Homebuyer Workshops to those looking to buy a home or preserve their current home. Learn more >
🌀 Habitat Inspects Program offers free wind mitigation and 4-point inspections to reduce homeowners insurance premiums. Learn more >
✏️ Habitat U offers free classes on financial literacy, community engagement, estate planning, and more. Learn more >
| |
Key MomentsCongratulations to our new Habitat homeowners!
Trina, Leticia and Raven closed on their brand new, affordable Habitat homes just in time to ring in 2024 as homeowners.
If you'd like to join them on the road to homeownership, applications are open now.
| |
| From the experts in our Program Services and Construction departments
| |
Spring into spring: Tips to keep your grass healthy & plants blooming
Spring is on its way! As the weather warms, plants exit their dormant season and start showing signs of life through new leaf buds, blossoms and growth spurts.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, maintaining your suddenly blooming yard may look like a daunting task. The tips below should help you both tackle the jungle and inspire you to get creative in your green space.
When mowing your lawn, it may be tempting to cut the grass as short as possible to extend the time to your next mow, but cutting your grass too short can stress it out and make it more susceptible to diseases. Aim for a grass height of 3 to 4 inches to keep your sod happy and healthy.
| |
Why I Build: CesarFinancial advisor unlocks new passion for volunteering as a crew leaderIf you’re ever looking for Cesar Otero on a build site, you can recognize him by his well-equipped tool belt.
Cesar said the first time he volunteered with Bank of America on a Habitat Orlando & Osceola construction site back in 2011, he blended in so well with the professionals that he said some people didn’t realize he was a volunteer.
“To this day, I always have my tool belt with me, whether I am working a build with Bank of America or not, and always try to be there early and get right to work,” he said.
After volunteering two to three times a year for more than a decade, Cesar took his volunteering to the next level in 2023 by signing up to be a crew leader.
| |
Join us as a crew leaderWe are looking for more crew leaders to join our team.
Crew leaders play a crucial role in our mission by volunteering monthly on build sites to help guide new, less experienced volunteers and make sure work goes safely and smoothly.
The next crew leader orientation is Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
| |
Ready to golf for a tee-riffic cause?We’re facing the housing crisis, but we can’t do it alone. Join us for our 2nd Annual Homes Fore All Golf Tournament on May 6 to help families in our community purchase safe and affordable homes. Sponsorships and foursomes are available!
| |
Supporter SpotlightPNC Bank
Thank you, PNC Bank, for investing in our community's future by sponsoring our inaugural Habitat U Youth Summit. Your generosity will empower young people with essential financial literacy skills and help them learn about the power of community engagement. Together, we're building a brighter tomorrow!
| |
Valentine's Day may be over, but it's not too late to put your love into action!
It's never too late for you to mobilize your non-cash assets and give a gift from the heart that helps us build affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen communities.
Here’s are two easy ways for you to give:
• Donate stock
• Give from your IRA
| |
| Connect with us on social media!
| |
|
|
|
