INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Indian River Community Foundation for its new Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) to renovate and revitalize seven homes in and around the Gifford Community.
The grant was awarded through a competitive grants program designed to address time-sensitive community needs, intensified by the recent economic recession.
“We see this as an investment in our community, to make existing homes more affordable and livable for low-income families who are struggling to maintain their homes. Affordable housing is a significant challenge in our community, and this program will not only help prevent homelessness, but will offer hope and stability for the families it serves,” said Kerry Bartlett, presenting the award to IRHFH President Andy Bowler and IRHFH Development Director Margaret Gibbs, Foundation Executive Director.
“This $30,000 grant from the IR Community Foundation will enable IR Habitat for Humanity, through its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative program, to help an additional seven families maintain their homes. The repairs made will allow the elderly or infirm people to enjoy a safe and functional home and experience an all-round better quality of life. Thank you, IR Community Foundation, for helping Habitat do so much more for families in need in our community,” Bowler stated, expressing appreciation on behalf of IRHFH.
Last November, Indian River Habitat celebrated its 20th anniversary, having built more than 270 homes with qualified families in Indian River County during the past two decades. Today, in addition to building homes through its NRI, Habitat offers repair, repainting, and weatherization for qualified homeowners in Indian River County.