Feb. 1, 2024 Donate now

📣 Welcome to our first twice-a-month issue of Habitat Happenings!

Because we have so much important news to share, we will now be landing in your inbox on the first and third Thursday of every month!

Park Square Homes celebrates 40 years in business, 10th Habitat home built

This is a big year for Park Square Homes. Not only are they celebrating 40 years in business, but they will celebrate building their 10th Habitat home during Park Square Homes Blitz 2024, which officially opens on Feb. 5.

Above are the smiling faces of the nine local families who have purchased safe, affordable houses built by Park Square Homes since 2015. In our next newsletter, hitting your inbox on Feb. 15, you'll meet this year's family and watch their home dedication ceremony.

Suresh Gupta, co-CEO of Park Square Homes, said 2024 is all about celebrating milestones while serving the community that has supported the company for four decades.

Keep reading

Board of Directors talk affordable housing with legislators in Tallahassee

Our Board of Directors hit the road to the Florida Capital to meet with legislators about affordable housing priorities last week. The group sends a big thank you to all of the legislators for listening and for their commitment to Face The Housing Crisis™ in our community!

Learn more about Face The Housing Crisis™

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 getting ready 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 >

Upcoming free classes

Habitat U classes and HUD First Time Homebuyer Workshops are free but space is limited, so please reserve your space today!

Home Maintenance 101

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness & Home Insurance Class

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

HUD First Time Homebuyer Workshop (8-Hours)

Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.

Community Engagement

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.

Learn more & register

Thank you, January Team Build volunteers!

Thank you to the Orlando Magic for being a slam-dunk partner in helping us Face The Housing Crisis™! Their volunteers, along with volunteers from AdventHealth Orlando, provided the magic touch to help us finish up the exterior of a Habitat home in Holden Heights. We couldn’t do all the ‘Stuff’ we do to increase accessibility to affordable housing without partners like you!

Homeownership Tips

From the experts in our Program Services and Construction departments

What is a homestead exemption and why is it so important?

Have you ever considered the significance of a homestead exemption? This benefit offers more than just financial relief; it shields your most cherished asset – your home!

Homestead exemption provides crucial protection by lowering the taxable value of your primary residence, reducing property taxes. This cost-saving measure can be a significant change, offering homeowners a chance to allocate funds towards other essential needs or investments.

But it’s not just about saving money. Homestead exemption offers stability and security, ensuring that unforeseen circumstances don’t jeopardize your home. It shields your property from certain creditors, protecting it during challenging times.

Keep reading

Mark your calendar for this month's crew leader orientations

Crew leaders volunteer monthly on build sites to help guide new, less experienced volunteers and make sure work goes safely and smoothly. If you're interested in becoming a Habitat crew leader, you have two chances to take our free, online orientation this month:

Wednesday, Feb. 7, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 7:45 p.m.

In the News

Habitat for Humanity takes applications for hopeful homeowners in Central Florida – WESH

¿Podrías estar pagando demasiado por el seguro de tu casa? (Could you be paying too much for your home insurance?) – Telemundo 31

Central Florida expert sounds off on what it will take to tackle affordable housing crisis – Orlando Business Journal/ Florida Business Minds Podcast

Calling all parents: Sign your teen up to learn important lessons in financial literacy and community engagement

High school students ages 14-19 are invited to join our inaugural Habitat U Youth Summit! During this two-part event on Saturday, March 2, teens will learn valuable lessons and participate in interactive activities to set them on a path toward financial independence and security, plus learn about the value of community engagement.

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Orlando, FL | 32808 US

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