Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties recently held its “Blueprints of the Future” event on Feb. 4, hosted by Clive Daniel Home in Fort Myers. The event gathered community leaders and supporters to learn about Habitat’s upcoming plans and initiatives for the community.
During the event, Habitat leadership shared the organization’s vision and anticipated impact for future projects, which include five affordable housing initiatives and Habitat’s new “Forever Home” headquarters on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. By expanding affordable homeownership opportunities and establishing new headquarters, the event highlighted the crucial role of community support in turning these plans into reality.
“For decades, Habitat for Humanity has been a leader in affordable homeownership in Lee County, built on a foundation of faith, action, and generosity. We focus on creating not just houses, but opportunities for families in need,” said CEO Becky Lucas of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “With strong community support and exceptional partners, we can bring our ‘Blueprints for the Future’ to life to serve more low-income earning households.”
Habitat is partnering with Lee County to build five affordable housing projects that are part of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) initiatives, totaling 204 single-family homes to help rebuild the community after Hurricane Ian. The partial funding will assist in completing two Habitat neighborhoods currently underway, including Heritage Heights in Harlem Heights and McNeill Village in North Fort Myers, while also advancing three additional projects, Diplomat South in North Fort Myers, White Coral in Fort Myers, and scattered lots across Cape Coral.
The organization’s new headquarters and Forever Home will create a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a centralized hub for both Lee and Hendry counties, following the destruction of its former headquarters due to Hurricane Ian in 2022. The future space will enable Habitat for Humanity to expand its reach and better serve families seeking affordable homeownership.
Since 1982, Habitat has partnered with nearly 1,900 families to help them achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. Alongside volunteers, Habitat homeowners help build their own home by completing more than 300 hours of sweat equity, in addition to attending financial education classes, paying $2,000 in closing costs and committing to pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties or to get involved, visit Habitat4Humanity.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based, private nonprofit organization that is a leading affordable housing builder and developer in Lee and Hendry Counties. Habitat offers pathways to affordable homeownership, serves as a mortgage lender, and restores homes to safe and whole conditions through repair services. Since 1982, nearly 1,900 families have purchased Habitat homes in Lee and Hendry Counties. Habitat Homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers, contribute towards closing costs and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income. Everyone who engages with Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities and hope is working to address the need for affordable housing. For more information, visit Habitat4Humanity.org.
