Indian River Habitat for Humanity roared into March like a lion, with the cacophony of drills and hammers taking on a bit more style during International Women Build Month.
Things kicked off with a Hammers and High Heels reception at Costa d’Este for those women supporting Habitat’s mission through fundraising and volunteerism.
Stephanie Kingsbury, IR Habitat director of development, said at the event that hundreds of homes have been built, renovated or repaired by volunteers since 1991.
“We have had over 9,000 volunteers contributing over 55,000 hours. Most of you will be a part of that as you build during the Women Build month, and we are excited to expand that number,” said Kingsbury.
She said their homeowners and homebuyers are hard-working individuals, such as those employed at grocery stores, the pharmacy or restaurants.
“These are people who work really hard but can’t afford the rent here in Indian River County,” said Kingsbury.
Sheryl Hathaway said that shortly after moving to Vero Beach, her rent nearly doubled.
“I started looking out of the box and trying to figure out how in the world am I going to be able to stay here, in one of the most unaffordable places to live,” shared Hathaway.
After learning about Habitat, she completed the required application, finance classes and sweat equity hours, and is now the proud owner of her own home.
“Not only are these homes super cute, but they are structurally sound, and I know all the ins and outs of them. I’ve made lots of friends along the way as well, because I’m building my neighbor’s homes,” said Hathaway.
Habitat also hosted an appreciation evening for volunteers and donors at Holy Cross Church Parish Hall, the first time they had combined the two groups.
“We’re literally complete tonight,” said board chair Dave Johnson.
“We are all together, and together we can do so much. This is a village that I am so proud to be a part of, and I’m proud that this village brings about a better community in a sustaining way.”
Johnson said he had the pleasure of representing Northern Trust, the evening’s sponsor and a longtime Habitat partner. He noted that Northern Trust currently owns $4.1 million in Habitat mortgages in Indian River County, $51 million in Florida and $98 million nationally.
A video was shown chronicling the story of another Habitat homebuyer, which Trevor Loomis, IR Habitat CEO, said was a powerful example of what is possible when everyone works together.
“Not a single one of us can do this on our own. We either lack the knowledge, the physical ability or the resources,” said Loomis.
He pointed out milestones from last year, including some 100 critical and emergency home repair projects, 17 of which are veteran households, and the start of 19 new homes where 35 children will live.
“Homeownership changes lives. It leads to better education outcomes, health outcomes and long-term socioeconomic opportunities. The research is there, and it’s very clear that homeownership works,” said Loomis.
Since 1991, through Habitat’s International Tithe program, he said IR Habitat has “put into action more than $5 million toward global housing solutions.” It is only the third affiliate to accomplish this milestone.
Because of the “unprecedented housing crisis,” Loomis said more than 61 percent of local households are cost-burdened, spending a third of their income on housing. To address the crisis, IR Habitat has committed to double its annual production of new homes and complete 500 repair projects over the next five years.
They plan to build another 25 homes in Oslo Park, 20 homes in North County, and two workforce housing developments are in the works in the Gifford community, which Loomis said is the poorest neighborhood in the State of Florida.
“Thank you for your incredible generosity of time, talent and treasure because we are more than just houses. Thank you so much for partnering with us to build hope and to build opportunities for people,” said Loomis.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
