Laurie Duke, Andrekia Williamson, Sarah Robatcek and Nancy Herbert. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Mark Parent, chair of the Moorings Habitat Partnership Committee, welcomed major sponsors, committee members, Habitat homebuyers, and representatives of Indian River Habitat for Humanity and the Moorings to their annual Appreciation Luncheon at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club.

Among the Habitat homebuyers was Sarah Robatcek, who thanked everyone on behalf of all the homebuyers.

“It’s not just four walls and a roof and the physical aspect of having a house,” said Robatcek, who was celebrating her wall-raising the next day. She said the experience has given her confidence and independence and, coming out of an abusive relationship, she now has safety, stability and freedom, as do her three young daughters.

“It’s to help worthy people like Sarah and her family that we contribute time and money to Habitat,” said Parent.

He said they raised $695,000 during their 2023 Habitat weekend, thanks in large part to the sponsorship of those in attendance.

“Without your support, these people might not have a new home and a new direction in their life,” said Parent.

“Meeting the homebuyers here today gives us a special opportunity to understand that impact and the impact we’re having on the county itself. These are people who are willing and able to work to improve their own lives and their children’s lives,” said Parent, noting that they also contribute to Habitat scholarships for homebuyers and their children.

Six new homes were built with last year’s funding, and they hope to build another six with this year’s fundraiser, which will get them over the 100-home mark.

Chris Johns, president of the Moorings board of directors, said he has seen numerous Habitat chapters throughout the country, but has never seen a relationship such as this one.

“It’s very special. And that doesn’t happen by accident. That happens because of a lot of leadership,” said Johns.

He paid tribute to longtime committee chair David Sommers, under whose leadership the number of Moorings participants, volunteers and sponsors grew tremendously.

Craig Lopes, Moorings CEO, said that he got involved in 2004 with what is now the club’s signature philanthropic effort, when the first Habitat weekend consisted of a golf tournament and after-party.

The Moorings Club began its own direct support of Habitat through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program, which redirects sales tax to Habitat based on the volunteer hours from club members, employees and supporters who work on houses and in Habitat’s Restore.

“I’m grateful for the many volunteers that have given their time to help Habitat and enable the club’s contribution,” said Lopes.

Lopes, Parent and Johns presented Trevor Loomis, Indian River Habitat CEO, with a check for $800,000, reflecting contributions from the Habitat weekend and the CCTCP.

“Over the course of 26 years of this partnership, you have raised together $12.3 million to support families in need of housing,” said Loomis, expressing his gratitude.

“Where I come from, that’s a lot of money. That has built about 96 new homes, and home repairs for 128 homeowners in need, for a total of 318 families that have been helped with their housing needs,” said Loomis.

He said the typical Habitat applicant pays 66 percent of their monthly income on rent, not including utilities, food, transportation or other necessities.

“For the life of me, I can’t figure out how people are doing it,” said Loomis, citing our county as being one of the most expensive housing markets in the country compared to wages.

Habitat has 18 new houses under construction and plans to do 100 home repair projects. There are three new housing developments in the works, and, over the next five years, they hope to build 113 new homes on land in the northern and southern parts of the county.

“So we’re doing what we can to meet the need that’s out there; the need that keeps growing every day. And we’re so grateful for all of you for contributing so generously to help us and support us,” said Loomis.

Photos by Joshua Kodis