Habitat for Humanity of Broward hosts historic dedication ceremony

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Habitat for Humanity of Broward hosts historic dedication ceremony for 15 new two-story homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

Habitat for Humanity of Broward hosts historic dedication ceremony for 15 new two-story homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (April 3, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward recently celebrated the completion of 15 new two-story homes with a dedication ceremony at its historic “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach. This is a record high, as this is the most homes Habitat Broward has ever dedicated in one event.

“There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are. It has always been a dream of ours to become homeowners, and today Habitat’s supporters made this dream a reality,” said new homeowner, Lashicia Harris.

“This is the result of so much hard work and heart,” Habitat Broward CEO and Executive Director Nancy Robin said in a statement. “I’m immensely proud of each and every one of our families for making today happen, and I’m so very thankful for our sponsor the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, volunteers, construction team and other employees who made the completion of these homes possible.”

All 15 family homes were sponsored by The Fredrick A. DeLuca Foundation through a transformational grant to Habitat Broward.

South Florida is the nation’s most cost-burdened housing market in the nation with high home prices and low wages making homeownership out of reach for 94 percent of Broward residents.

The benefits are clear, Habitat homeowners are healthier, safer, more likely to go to college and have 44 times the net worth of those families renting.

With assistance from Habitat Broward, families are able to acquire modest homes with mortgages kept to 30 percent of household income. To qualify, individuals must start off by providing 300 hours of sweat equity to construct their homes and the other houses in the neighborhood. Families must also attend a year of homeownership classes and make a small down payment.

“The journey to homeownership isn’t easy,” said Habitat Board Chair, Lily Pardo. “But these families understand the long-term impact of owning a safe, stable and affordable home. It’s a testament to how hard they are willing to work to create better opportunities for themselves and their families for generations to come.”

“A Rick Case Habitat Community” was made possible by Ed Ansin of Sunbeam/WSVN Channel 7, and Rita and Rick Case of Rick Case Automotive Group who stepped forward with a leadership gift to name this historic new community and provided much of the funding for the infrastructure.

The project is also made possible by the Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, the City of Pompano Beach, the Hudson Family Foundation, Burdette Beckmann, Inc., the Robert Taylor Family, the Wadsworth Family Foundation, the Elizabeth Peters Estate, the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, the Estate of Renate Wylie, the Robert L. Elmore Estate, JM Family Enterprises and other contributors and volunteers.

The community will feature 76 affordable homes consisting of 42 one-story and 35 two-story units with sizes ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 sq. ft. homes. All homes feature sustainable, energy-efficient materials, including impact windows, to minimize environmental impact, improve indoor air quality, and reduce utility and maintenance costs. Additional features include a park and children’s playground that will be accessible to residents of the community and the surrounding area.

The total project is estimated to cost over $18 million in funds that will be raised and leveraged through partnerships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, the faith community and generous individuals.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.

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Habitat for Humanity of Broward Raises Awareness and More

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Habitat for Humanity of Broward Raises Awareness and More Than $300,000 during 4th Annual CEO Build at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

Habitat for Humanity of Broward Raises Awareness and More Than $300,000 during 4th Annual CEO Build at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2023) – More than 50 CEOs and C-suite leaders from many of South Florida’s largest companies came together to raise awareness and over $300,000 in support of affordable workforce housing in Broward County during Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s 4th annual CEO Build on Saturday, March 4. The task at hand for the event included top executives dedicating time and effort to help roof four homes at “A Rick Case Habitat Community,” a historic 76-home community in Pompano Beach.

Event co-chairs Brent Burns, President and CEO of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and Keith Koenig, Chairman of City Furniture, led the task force to support affordable workforce housing in Broward County, the most cost-burdened housing market in the country.

“These CEO Build participants understand the critical need for affordable workforce housing in our community and chose to be a force for change and be a part of the solution,” said Nancy Robin CEO and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Broward. “They collectively lead hundreds of thousands of employees.”

By June of this year, 58 homes will be completed in “A Rick Case Habitat Community.”

Additionally, Habitat Broward has acquired land and plans to build 20 townhomes in the “BBI Village” community in Fort Lauderdale and 13 townhomes in Coral Springs. Open enrollment for these energy-efficient, affordable townhomes closes on March 31, 2023. This is a great opportunity for qualified applicants to start their journey to homeownership.

This year’s event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from JM Family Enterprise Inc., CITY Furniture, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Law Offices of Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell PLLC, South Florida Business Journal and Exquisite Catering by Robert.

2023 CEO Build Participating Companies:
Advanced Roofing
Amerant Bank
ANF Group
Ansin Foundation/WSVN Channel 7
Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell PLLC.
Bank of America
BBi
BDO
Brandstar
Brody & Associates
Broward College
Campbell Property Management/Campbell
& Rosemurgy Real Estate
Castle Group
Celebrity Cruise
CITY Furniture
City of Deerfield Beach
Community Foundation of Broward
Denison Yachting
Falcone & Associates
Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation
Florida Panthers
Florida Power & Light
Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation
GL Homes
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Gulf Building
Gunster
Health Business Solutions
HEICO
Holy Cross Health
Hudson Family Foundation
JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Joe Rose
Katz Barron
Kaufman Lynn Construction
Memorial Healthcare System
Mesirow Financial
Miller Construction
Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation
PNC Bank
Representative Chip LaMarca
Rick Case Automotive Group
Rogers, Morris & Ziegler LLP
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Seminole Classic Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Support Services
SIXT
South Florida Business Journal
South Florida Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab
Sunshine Health
Tripp Scott

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.

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Florida Health Plans No Longer Have to Cover All Preventive Care for Free

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Ruling Finds Florida Health Plans No Longer Have to Cover All Preventive Care for Free. Here’s What to Know.
A record 3.2 million Floridians signed up for health insurance plans for 2023 and could be potentially be affected by the change

Read more:
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/ruling-finds-florida-health-plans-no-longer-have-to-cover-all-preventive-care-for-free-heres-what-to-know/3006831/

Carrying Concealed Guns Without a Permit in Florida

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Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill to Allow Carrying Concealed Guns Without a Permit
The bill allows anyone who can legally own a gun in Florida to carry one without a permit. It means training and a background check will not be needed for people to carry concealed guns in public.

Read more…
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-gov-desantis-signs-bill-to-allow-carrying-concealed-guns-without-a-permit/3006901/

Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

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Habitat for Humanity of Broward hosts historic dedication ceremony for 15 new two-story homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

Habitat for Humanity of Broward hosts historic dedication ceremony for 15 new two-story homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (April 3, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward recently celebrated the completion of 15 new two-story homes with a dedication ceremony at its historic “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach. This is a record high, as this is the most homes Habitat Broward has ever dedicated in one event.

“There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are. It has always been a dream of ours to become homeowners, and today Habitat’s supporters made this dream a reality,” said new homeowner, Lashicia Harris.

“This is the result of so much hard work and heart,” Habitat Broward CEO and Executive Director Nancy Robin said in a statement. “I’m immensely proud of each and every one of our families for making today happen, and I’m so very thankful for our sponsor the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, volunteers, construction team and other employees who made the completion of these homes possible.”

All 15 family homes were sponsored by The Fredrick A. DeLuca Foundation through a transformational grant to Habitat Broward.

South Florida is the nation’s most cost-burdened housing market in the nation with high home prices and low wages making homeownership out of reach for 94 percent of Broward residents.

The benefits are clear, Habitat homeowners are healthier, safer, more likely to go to college and have 44 times the net worth of those families renting.

With assistance from Habitat Broward, families are able to acquire modest homes with mortgages kept to 30 percent of household income. To qualify, individuals must start off by providing 300 hours of sweat equity to construct their homes and the other houses in the neighborhood. Families must also attend a year of homeownership classes and make a small down payment.

“The journey to homeownership isn’t easy,” said Habitat Board Chair, Lily Pardo. “But these families understand the long-term impact of owning a safe, stable and affordable home. It’s a testament to how hard they are willing to work to create better opportunities for themselves and their families for generations to come.”

“A Rick Case Habitat Community” was made possible by Ed Ansin of Sunbeam/WSVN Channel 7, and Rita and Rick Case of Rick Case Automotive Group who stepped forward with a leadership gift to name this historic new community and provided much of the funding for the infrastructure.

The project is also made possible by the Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, the City of Pompano Beach, the Hudson Family Foundation, Burdette Beckmann, Inc., the Robert Taylor Family, the Wadsworth Family Foundation, the Elizabeth Peters Estate, the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, the Estate of Renate Wylie, the Robert L. Elmore Estate, JM Family Enterprises and other contributors and volunteers.

The community will feature 76 affordable homes consisting of 42 one-story and 35 two-story units with sizes ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 sq. ft. homes. All homes feature sustainable, energy-efficient materials, including impact windows, to minimize environmental impact, improve indoor air quality, and reduce utility and maintenance costs. Additional features include a park and children’s playground that will be accessible to residents of the community and the surrounding area.

The total project is estimated to cost over $18 million in funds that will be raised and leveraged through partnerships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, the faith community and generous individuals.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.

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Homeownership program applications open February 15

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Homeownership program applications open February 15 for new two-story townhomes in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs

Homeownership program applications open February 15 for new two-story townhomes in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs

FORT LAUDERDALE (February 7, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s homeownership program applications to open for new two-story townhomes in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs beginning on Wednesday, February 15, via www.habitatbroward.org. The application deadline is Friday, March 31. Qualified prospective homeowners do not want to miss this limited opportunity.

The new energy-efficient, two-story townhomes will include three to four bedrooms, garages, modern kitchens, landscaped yards, and hurricane-impact windows.

These locations are close to city centers, schools, churches, recreational and shopping amenities with easy access to transportation and major traffic corridors.

The application process has four steps that include a pre-qualification questionnaire, orientation, financial analysis review, and face-to-face interview. Successful applicants can expect to move into a home within 12 to 18 months.
Qualifications include but are not limited to the following:

• Must be a first-time homebuyer.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Must be a current Broward County resident or working in Broward (for a year or more).
• Must demonstrate a need for affordable housing.
• Must be within HUD income guidelines.
• Must be committed to making affordable mortgage payments.
• Must be able to show $3,000 in savings and pay $2,700 in escrow.

Interested families can visit https://habitatbroward.org/apply/ to start the pre-application process after February 15th.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.

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The Perfect Breakfast

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by Julie from Yuka

Many of us eat cereal with milk or buttered toast with jam alongside a glass of orange juice for breakfast. But that breakfast is far from ideal in terms of nutrition. Indeed, a breakfast packed with carbohydrates encourages insulin secretion, which should be avoided — especially in the morning. Here are our recommendations for a delicious, healthy breakfast based on the advice of nutritionist Anthony Berthou.

https://yuka.io/en/basics/the-perfect-breakfast/

Yuka deciphers product labels and analyzes the health impact of food products and cosmetics.
Check out their app – It allows you to scan the labels of your food and cosmetic products and gives you quality information about the product
https://yuka.io/en/app/

Habitat for Humanity Welcomes New Outreach and Advocacy Manager

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Habitat for Humanity of Broward has welcomed Maggie Zalamea
as its new Community Outreach and Advocacy Manager.

Habitat for Humanity of Broward has welcomed Maggie Zalamea as its new Community Outreach and Advocacy Manager.

FORT LAUDERDALE (November 7, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward has welcomed Maggie Zalamea as its new Community Outreach and Advocacy Manager.

Zalamea is a dynamic, results-oriented, passionate leader with over 15 years of experience in non-profit and government administration and has dedicated her career to helping those in need to achieve their highest potential.

She will spearhead Habitat Broward’s advocacy efforts by engaging civic leaders, elected officials, business community partners, faith-based and non-profit organizations in ensuring that working families in Broward can achieve the dream of homeownership.

“As we continue to grow and build our A-team, I am ecstatic to welcome Maggie to our team of dedicated professionals working to helping families achieve the ‘American Dream’ of homeownership,” said Justine Morgan, Habitat Broward Vice President, Capital and Community Relations.

Prior to Habitat Broward, Zalamea served in leadership positions in the states of Minnesota and Florida, specializing in government and legislative affairs; public policy and advocacy; and community relations, outreach, education; and engagement. Other previous roles include Director of Government Relations for the School Board of Broward County; Director of Public Policy and Community Coalitions for the Broward Teachers Union; Director of Operations for Hispanic Unity of Florida; Director of the Minnesota Latino Affairs Council; and Minnesota Assistant Attorney General.

Zalamea received her Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading, photography, biking, and dogs.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
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Norway Photo Workshop – Winter in The Lofoten Islands

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Norway Photo Workshop – Winter in The Lofoten Islands with Colby Brown

Only 2 spots left!

Come join Colby Brown on this Norway Photo Workshop Adventure that you will never forget! We will explore one of the most amazing winter photography locations on the planet, Norway’s own Lofoten Islands. Located above the arctic circle, these islands are home to some of the most spectacular seascapes in Europe. Additionally, because of its latitude, you have a greater chance to see the Northern Lights here than most places on the planet. During our 7 day adventure, we will split our focus between the famous town of Reine and the mountainous beaches of Leknes. This will put your right at the heart of some of the most incredible photographic location in the world!

Trip Dates: February 18th – 25th, 2023
Group Size: 10
Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate

Our photo adventure in the Lofoten Islands will base just outside the town of Leknes for the duration of our workshop. There are multiple daily flights from Oslo to the Leknes Airport (LKN), giving you plenty of options to choose from when it comes to getting to this incredible part of the world. We will be staying in a series of fully renovated Rorbuer cabins that come equipped with not only private bathrooms in each room (with heated floors), but a living room area and full kitchen. It is here that we will make our own meals each night, allowing all participants to not only choose what they wish to eat, but save a little money in the process (eating out in Norway is VERY expensive).

  • Chasing the northern lights at night
  • Exploring a series of incredible fjords, beaches, inlets, lakes and mountain scenes
  • We will spend time photographing a number of the gorgeous red and yellow cabins that line the fjords
  • The Lofoten Islands are a photographers paradise
  • One of my favorite places to photograph in the winter.

To learn more about this fabulous workshop adventure to Norway, please visit:
https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/photography-workshops/norway-winter-photo-workshop/

Order your 2023 Photo Calendar!

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My 2023 Photo Calendar is ready for preorder.
My 2023 Photo Calendar is ready for preorder.

I have sent my order to the printing company. and should be ready in a week or two. I am using a Florida based printing company that has recovered from hurricane Ian.

The calendars will feature:

  • 100# glossy paper
  • 12″ x 9″ in size
  • wire bound
  • UV coated

I think I selected some terrific images for the 2023 calendar. If you need more than 5 calendars, please contact me and let me know how many you need.

Order your calendar today!
To order online – visit: https://www.leesmithphotos.com/calendar/

I am accepting Checks, Zelle and Credit Cards, let me know if you have any questions

This is a great way to support my work and help me at the same time.
Thank you!

Lee Smith, Photographer
Smitty’s Holdings, Inc.
Contact page: https://www.leesmithphotos.com/contact-us/

Grab a copy of Mark Potter’s New Book

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My friend Mark Potter, finally got his book published!
It’s a beautiful heart felt story to read and the photos are just beautiful!

Mark Potter - A Photographic Journey of Comfort, Healing, and Inspiration

The following text is from Amazon along with the link to order:

Sunrise: A Photographic Journey of Comfort, Healing, and Inspiration Hardcover
Author: Mark Potter,  208 pages

“The heartrending story behind Mark Potter’s marvelous photographs gives them a healing and hope-filled force. This book is more than a memorial to his remarkable wife; it lights a path forward for everyone who has experienced the darkest weight of grief and it reminds us to cherish every sunrise.” ––Carl Hiaasen

“With a moonless sky this early morning, it is eerily dark out here, and I can feel the weight of the hot and humid South Florida air. As I head toward the sound of the rolling ocean surf ahead of me, the soft beach sand shifts beneath my feet, making it hard for me to walk while balancing my two cameras and a heavy tripod. Even though I go out like this virtually every morning, it never gets old, and once again I am starting to get excited. I can even feel my breathing increase as I approach the shoreline. These are all welcome signs that I’m fully alive right now and am engaged in what I call “magic time.” It’s that ungodly hour of the day when most normal people are still safely at home, asleep in their comfortable beds––blissfully unaware that they are on the verge of missing out on one of the best lightshows on all of planet earth: The tropical sunrise!” ––Mark Potter

It is the unvarnished truth that all of Mark Potter’s bright and colorful sunrise photographs began from tragedy and grief, and were taken in memory of his wife who died from cancer. But as miracles sometimes have it, the images turned out to be the exact opposite of the way they began. They are upbeat and exciting, but also comforting and calming while capturing the natural world of Florida as it awakens to each new day with not only sunrises, but also seascapes, wildlife, marine life, flora, and fauna.

About the Author
Mark Potter is a 41-year veteran of television news and was an on-air correspondent for ABC News, CNN and NBC News. During his career, he traveled extensively and won national awards for his investigative reporting of narcotics trafficking, migrant smuggling and civil rights. Potter now devotes his retirement to photographing the Florida outdoors, turning his cameras toward beautiful sunrises, landscapes, wildlife and sunsets. He is a longtime resident of South Florida.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149306603X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bank of America Donates to Habitat for Humanity of Broward

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Bank of America Donates $50,000 and New Office Space Headquarters
to Community Partner, Habitat for Humanity of Broward

Bank of America Fort Lauderdale President Center with Bank of America employee volunteers present donation check to Nancy Robin Habitat for Humanity of Broward CEO and Executive Director right with Ashley Coop.jpg

FORT LAUDERDALE (November 2, 2022) – Bank of America recently presented a donation check of $50,000 and committed to providing office space for Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s new headquarters in support of the non-profit’s mission.

The new office space located on the 2nd floor of the Fort Lauderdale Bank of America branch at 888 NW 62nd Street allows Habitat Broward to conduct its homeownership classes onsite for the first time in its history.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our partners at Bank of America,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s CEO and Executive Director. “This new office space affords us the opportunity to host homeownership classes at this central location for the first time in history, and the funds donated helped five families to get closer to their dream of homeownership.”

After the check presentation, Bank of America Fort Lauderdale President, Lori Chevy and employee volunteers rolled up their sleeves to work with Habitat Broward at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach. They worked side-by-side with future habitat homeowners to help complete five new homes in what is the largest affordable single-family home development in Broward’s history.

Construction of homes was made possible in part by the $50,000 grant from Bank of America and stems from a shared vision that providing access to affordable housing advances economic mobility and enriches the community.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
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