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Let's work together to Face the Housing Crisis™
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Have you raised your hand to join us yet?
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It's almost been six months since our President & CEO Catherine Steck McManus and Chief Policy Officer Dale Brill launched our Face The Housing Crisis™ initiative in front of hundreds of community leaders. Watch this short video to learn about how housing is the cornerstone of community health and what you can do to help.
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Looking for resources?🏠 Homeownership Program applications are open for new construction homes in Holden Heights and Parramore. 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 inspections to reduce homeowners insurance premiums. Learn more >
🍎 Habitat U offers free classes on financial literacy, community engagement, estate planning, and more. Learn more >
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Up your volunteer game this year as a Habitat crew leader!
We’re looking for volunteers ready to take their commitment to the next level. Crew leaders come out to build sites regularly to guide less-experienced volunteers.
You don’t need:
❌ Professional experience
❌ Tremendous skill
You do need:
✅ A positive, friendly attitude
✅ The patience to guide those new to a construction site
✅ Monthly availability
Our next virtual crew leader orientation session is Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. Sign up now to learn more!
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| Upcoming free classes
Habitat U classes and HUD First Time Homebuyer Workshops are free but space is limited, so please reserve your space today!
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Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m.
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Saturday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m.
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Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m.
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Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.
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Thank you, December Team Build volunteers!
A huge thank you to PCL Construction and Bank of America volunteers for donating their time, talent and treasure last month. Both organizations are longtime supporters of our mission to provide safe, affordable housing to Central Florida families. Thank you for helping to Face The Housing Crisis™ with us.
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| From the experts in our Program Services and Construction departments
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Explainer: What is forced place insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a vital part of being a responsible and successful homeowner. Forced-placed insurance occurs when a bank or mortgage servicer places an insurance policy on a property where the mortgage borrower/homeowner’s insurance has lapsed or is deemed insufficient.
Forced-placed insurance protects the lender, so it is important to have your own homeowners insurance policy for your protection.
We compiled tips to help you find the right homeowner’s insurance for you and reduce costs.
- Do your research and shop around, don’t just settle for the first company you come across
- Choose the best company that fits your financial and personal needs
- Determine what needs to be covered and how much insurance you need.
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Check these items off your to-do list while the weather is cool
As we enter a new year, one thing that likely hasn’t changed is the lack of free time we all have on our hands to think about home maintenance. Particularly when the weather is cooler and we aren’t in panic mode over hurricane season, it can be tempting to put the little things off for another day. Winter is the perfect time to check certain things off your to-do list:
1. Show your AC some love! In addition to keeping up with the regular changing of your filters, be sure to check your thermostat to ensure it’s still working properly. Also, assess your windows and doors for any potential air leaks that could affect the efficiency of your system. Now is a great time to schedule that AC tune-up. While AC contractors are in heavy demand during the sweltering summer months, winter tends to be a slower season. Getting the necessary maintenance done now will help ensure you stay cool as a cucumber come August.
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Closing cornerCongratulations to two of our newest Habitat homeowners, Cyndi and Solangi! Both teachers (Solangi teaches chorus at a local high school and Cyndi teaches Pre-K), the women closed on their new homes with affordable mortgages before the end of 2023.
“Home means security and stability for me and my family. A place to call ours that we can live in forever,” Cyndi said.
Interested in homeownership or know someone who is?
We are now accepting applications for our homeownership program! Learn more and apply here.
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The countdown is on: Park Square Blitz 2024 kicks off Feb. 5!Park Square Homes will build its 10th Habitat home in just one week!
Local builder Park Square Homes, along with their vendors and partners, will come together to build a Habitat for Humanity home in just one week for Park Square Blitz 2024.
This year marks not only the 10th year Park Square Homes has donated the labor and materials to build a Habitat home, but 40 years since the company was founded.
Mark your calendar for the kickoff on Monday, Feb. 5, and stay tuned to our website and social media pages for updates.
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Supporter Spotlight: The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation for their recent grant, which is instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting affordable homeownership for families in Central Florida. This generous contribution not only signifies a commitment to community well-being but also serves as a beacon of hope for families seeking stable housing. Thank you for being a vital partner in this important endeavor!
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Shoutout to our workshop presenters!
We want to extend a huge thank you to our presenters who took the time to help educate aspiring Central Florida homeowners in 2023 during our Habitat U classes and HUD First-time Homebuyer Workshops.
📣 Shout outs to:
- Karen Blandon, State Farm
- Sandra Cruz & Antonio Bartolomei, Coldwell Banker
- Eugene Martin III, Chase
- Jennifer Roy & Byron Barrett, PNC
- Alan L. Sandler, Esq., Near North Title Group
- Jackie Robbins, SouthState Bank
- Fernando Hurtado, Unique Property Inspections
- Jo-El Gonzalez, Seacoast Bank
- Ramon Pleas, City National Bank
- Michelle Lopez, Farmer's Insurance
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Mark your calendar: Homes Fore All Golf Tournament tees off in May
The second annual Homes Fore All Golf Tournament will tee off at Shingle Creek Golf Club on May 6.
At Habitat Orlando & Osceola, we’re facing the housing crisis, but we can’t do it alone. Join us for our charity golf tournament to help families in our community purchase safe and affordable homes!
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Big news for the new year: Our e-newsletter is expanding!
Starting in February, you can expect us to arrive in your inbox twice a month! We have so much happening at Habitat Orlando & Osceola that we can't fit everything into one email.
With double the frequency, we'll be able to share even more about our mission in a more easily digestible way.
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