On Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties celebrated their 1,500th home. This major milestone was commemorated by a special dedication ceremony for the Habitat home buyer, along with home sponsor Chico’s FAS, Inc., Habitat Board Members, donors, and volunteers.
Habitat’s 1,500th home is significant as it symbolizes that 1,500 families have partnered with Habitat to earn and purchase a safe and decent place to call home. Over 3,500 people now have stable housing, improved health, and the opportunity to budget and save for other needs.
Habitat started as a grassroots effort in 1980, building single family homes as a response to the deplorable living conditions in the Harlem Heights community. Officially becoming a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in 1982, the local office has become one of the largest in the country. In the past 35 years, 176 Habitat homebuyers have paid off their mortgages, 746 families have received homeownership counseling, and over 80,000 people have volunteered with Habitat in Lee and Hendry counties.
Since 2001, Chico’s FAS has partnered with Habitat and worked alongside families to build strength and stability through shelter. The 1,500th Habitat home is also a major milestone for Chico’s FAS as it is the 41st home they have sponsored.
“We are very proud to dedicate our 41st Chico’s FAS home in Southwest Florida. This year alone, our associates spent more than 400 hours volunteering to build and renovate Habitat homes for women and their families so they can have safe and affordable housing. Chico’s FAS is committed to giving back, and it’s exciting to be part of something so impactful in our community,” says Shelley Broader, President and Chief Executive Officer for Chico’s FAS, Inc.
The 1,500th home will provide a mother of two boys, ages 14 and 10, a safe and affordable three bedroom, two bath home. Offering a hand up, Habitat and Chico’s FAS are making the dream of home ownership a reality for families in Lee and Hendry Counties.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is one of the largest Habitat affiliates in the country. Since 1982, 1,500 families in need of a hand up have partnered with Habitat to build or improve their home. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own home and pay an affordable mortgage. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitat4humanity.org
