General | Broward Directory News

Habitat for Humanity of Broward Appoints New Board Members

October 2, 2022 by Editor

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (September 21, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward has appointed four new board members – Timothy Bryant, Robyn Hankerson-Printemps, Kelley Jackson, and Maria Menendez.

“We are delighted to have Timothy, Robyn, Kelley and Maria join the board,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO & Executive Director. “They bring a diverse set of expertise to the already tremendously strong board, at a time where Habitat Broward is doing more than ever before to address Broward’s affordable workforce housing crisis”.

Bryant as Director of External Affairs for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has proven experience leveraging his unique combination of interpersonal skills and technical knowledge to deliver results in the electric utility sector. His extensive background working with elected officials and their staffs in the development of critical transmission and renewable energy projects, including utility-scale solar generating facilities across Florida. Additionally, he is a former commissioned officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, having served over 12 years in Kansas and North Carolina. He is currently licensed to practice engineering in the states of Alabama, Florida and Kansas and is a certified Six-Sigma Green Belt. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and is a graduate of Baker University’s MBA program. He currently serves as a community stakeholder on several boards.

Hankerson-Printemps is a strategic communications professional with 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing, event planning, social media, media buying, community outreach, sponsor/partner development and fundraising. She is currently the Community Relations Manager at Publix Super Markets where she is leading community giving, strategic partnerships and philanthropic initiatives throughout the southeast coast of Florida from Monroe to Brevard Counties. She is also a part time adjunct professor at the University of Florida.

Jackson is a devoted volunteer with significant track record of success with organizations and is currently a Scientific Studies Manager at UnitedHealth Group; She leads the Clinical Quality Management Studies team of analysts and data technicians for continuous quality improvement within Veteran Affairs Community Care Network. She is an engaged, innovative nursing leader with experience spanning corporate health and wellness, patient education and outreach, clinical operations, direct patient care, and research. She received both her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in advanced practice nursing from Michigan State University and Doctor of Philosophy in nursing science from Florida Atlantic University.

Menendez has served as chief financial officer of GL Homes of Florida Holding Corporation and GL Financial Services since 2002. She is also the chief financial officer of GL Commercial Holdings Corporation, which owns and operates twelve commercial centers throughout South Florida. GL Homes and subsidiaries is the nation’s 30th largest builder based on revenue and the nation’s 13th largest private homebuilder. She was recognized by Builder Magazine as one of “Home Building’s Most Powerful Women” and by Travel Agent Magazine as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Travel.” She received both her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in international business and her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Florida Atlantic University.

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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5 Families Welcomed at the Rick Case Habitat Community

February 12, 2022 by Editor

Five Families Welcomed to Their New Habitat Broward Homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (February 8, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward welcomed home five hard working families on Saturday, February 5th at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach.

Representative Chip LaMarca, Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, and Vice Mayor Beverly Perkins joined the new homeowners to celebrate along with Habitat home sponsors, board members, family, and friends.

“We are now more than halfway through folks, with only 33 of our 76 homes to go at A Rick Case Habitat Community – our current class of future homeowners is our largest ever and we are currently accepting applications for our next class so please share the word,” said Kelly Kolb, Chair of Habitat Broward. “In other words, we are very busy. Why? Well because Broward is one of the most cost-burdened housing markets in the country, but for these five families that is no longer the case. This year, their hard work has earned them their part of the American Dream.”

The proud first-time homeowners include couples Susan Black and Dammaine Medley; Kelsey and Antonio McNeal; Osseline and Claude Moreau; Erik Boyd and Belinda Sterile-Boyd; along with Lydia and Hank Williams.

“Before we joined the Habitat program, every month Dammaine and I would ask ourselves why we were spending all this money to pay off someone else’s mortgage?” said Black. That’s when the family decided to apply for Habitat Broward’s program. Now, when the family makes that first mortgage payment every cent is an investment in the family’s future.

“Now we are building a future,” Black added. As a Hospital Coordinator at Conviva Medical Center, Black works alongside partner Medley, a Patient Transportation Associate for the same location. The Jamaican American parents are raising four children ranging from age three to 21.

All thanks to the generosity of Family Home Sponsors such as Rick Case Automotive Group, Robert Taylor, Jr. Family, and WSVN-TV Channel 7; House Foundation Sponsor Bank of America; Blueprint Sponsors The Gore Family Memorial Trust, Truist, Wells Fargo, The Oppenheimer Family Foundation, and Homeownership for All, Inc. Additionally, special thanks to the continued support of the Community Foundation of Broward and the City of Pompano Beach.

“We know these new homes will be filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories by the families. It was wonderful to all be together to celebrate this amazing milestone,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward Executive Director & CEO. “Habitat Broward is committed to lifting families up to help them accomplish their goal of homeownership. With homeownership comes financial stability, and ultimately a more equitable and vibrant community.”

Open enrollment began on Tuesday, February 1 for new energy efficient, affordable housing at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” and North-West 27th Street developments in Pompano Beach; and extends through Thursday, March 31. Interested families are encouraged to visit https://www.habitatbroward.org/2020-pre-qualification-questionnaire/ to start the pre-application process.

Through Habitat Broward, hardworking families can obtain affordable homes with affordable mortgages through a combination of sweat equity hours, a modest down payment and coursework.

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 Broward Hosts Delegation Build Day

December 2, 2021 by Editor

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (November 15, 2021) – The Broward Delegation which includes local state representatives and state senators hosted “Delegation Build Day” at A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach on Saturday, November 13 in support of Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s leadership in workforce housing.

This initiative had delegates working side-by-side with future homeowners and volunteers to build homes in what is the largest affordable single family home development in Broward County’s history.

Delegates who participated included Michael Gottlieb, Chair of Broward Delegation along with other representatives such as Chip LaMarca, Robin Bartleman, and Anika Omphroy.

“Broward County is a highly desirable place to live and because of that we are plagued with a shortage of housing,” said Rep. Michael Gottlieb. “Habitat Broward has been a leader for years in addressing the affordable housing challenge and we felt this was a great opportunity for the Delegation to support their efforts.”

“Members of the Broward Delegation came today to dig in, get dirty and help lift up families working hard to earn the economic empowerment that comes with homeownership. We thank them for their hard work and support of this cause,” said Thor Barraclough, Habitat Broward Chief Program Officer.

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 home ownership. 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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Deactivating Facebook

September 14, 2021 by Editor

Deactivating Facebook isn’t enough. Here’s how to permanently delete your account

Getting rid of your Facebook account takes some patience. Here’s how to delete your account for good and completely cut ties with the social network.

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between deleting your Facebook account and deactivating it. Deactivating your Facebook account temporarily freezes it, which is useful if you want a brief hiatus. But that does nothing to prevent the company from tracking your online activity.

The steps you can take to delete your account:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/deactivating-facebook

Wells Fargo donates $15,000 to Habitat Broward

August 26, 2021 by Editor

Wells Fargo donates $15,000 to Habitat Broward to help
Broward County families access affordable housing

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (August 18, 2021) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward is one of more than 220 Habitat for Humanity organizations awarded a grant from Wells Fargo as part of its nationwide initiative to help families unable to obtain conventional financing to become first-time homeowners.

Wells Fargo’s $15,000 grant to Habitat Broward will help provide the Moreaus, a hard-working family of seven, with a home of their own in A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach.

“Far too many people across the country are facing housing instability and one of our key priorities is to create housing affordability solutions where everyone can have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Wells Fargo South Florida Social Impact and Sustainability Leader Leo Toca. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Broward in providing homeownership opportunities in South Florida.”

“Wells Fargo understands the economic empowerment that comes with homeownership and is acting on this belief across the nation,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO and Executive Director. “Families like the Moreaus would not achieve the dream of homeownership without great corporate citizens like Wells Fargo and we can’t thank them enough.”

The grant is part of a $7.75 million donation Wells Fargo is making to Habitat for Humanity International through Wells Fargo Builds, an initiative that provides philanthropic financial support and volunteerism to create sustainable affordable housing. More than 340 homes will be constructed or repaired with Habitat in over 40 states through the initiative this year. Wells Fargo Builds is part of Wells Fargo’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to create more housing affordability solutions by 2025.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is the leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 37 on Fortune’s 2021 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo.

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Habitat Broward Receives $30,000 Grant from Truist Foundation

August 8, 2021 by Editor

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Habitat for Humanity of Broward has received a $30,000 grant from Truist Foundation to support its NW 27th Avenue Project, a bold initiative to build affordable housing and revitalize a historic Pompano Beach community.

“We are so honored and grateful to receive this Truist Foundation grant to support this revitalization project within the NW 27th Avenue corridor,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO and executive director. “This project within a priority redevelopment area offers critical opportunities for first-time homeownership for families while boosting area economic growth.”

Empty lots within the Collier City area have been linked to increased blight, crime and civic disengagement. Habitat Broward will partner with the City of Pompano Beach to build 12 new homes, increase street lighting and improve McNair Park. In conjunction, Broward County will add an attractive new Broward Sherriff’s Office substation to the area. These elements will encourage revitalization, reduce opportunities for crime and create the community stability that comes with single-family home development.

“At Truist our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and expanding affordable housing is a big part of that,” said Tony Coley, South Florida regional president for Truist on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “I’m proud of our continued partnership with Habitat for Humanity and aligning our missions to support local families.”

Rick Case Habitat Community Building 76 Affordable Homes

August 8, 2021 by Editor

Groundbreaking Marks A Rick Case Habitat Community
Surpassing Halfway Milestone in Building 76 Affordable Homes

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Habitat for Humanity of Broward held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for five homes which will surpass the halfway milestone of Building 76 Homes in A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach.

Raquel and Ryan Case representing Rick Case Automotive Group joined, Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat Broward and future homeowners, Shandell and Shandel Bryan at the ceremony to mark the milestone.

“Today we dedicate the ground upon which five new future homeowners will achieve the dream of homeownership, thanks to our amazing supporters and volunteers. This groundbreaking marks a huge milestone in the achievement of the largest affordable single-family home community in Broward’s history,” said Robin.

Rick Case Automotive Group sponsored two of the five homes. Other family home sponsors are Sunbeam Television/WSVN Channel 7, Burdette Beckman, Inc. and the Robert Taylor Family.

The $18 million Rick Case Habitat Community will provide affordable housing to hard-working families living and working in Broward who are unable to obtain conventional financing.

Ed Ansin and Rita and Rick Case of Rick Case Automotive Group provided the initial funding for the project’s infrastructure. The project was also made possible by the Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, City of Pompano Beach, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., the Hudson Family Foundation, and others are major contributors. A portion of the infrastructure work was donated by the US Army 766 Engineer Company.

Home construction began in the fall of 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2023.

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 Used to Encourage More Condo Inspections and Repair Plans

July 11, 2021 by Editor

In 2008, Florida lawmakers passed a law to encourage condo associations to inspect and have a plan to deal with repairs, commonly known as a “reserve study,” every five years. State lawmakers overwhelmingly repealed the law two years later.

Virgin Galactic space plane returns safely

July 11, 2021 by Editor

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. – Billionaire entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson’s dream of space travel was realized and celestial tourism took a leap forward Sunday as Virgin Galactic’s rocket ship reached the edge of space during a historic flight from Spaceport America.

Florida Keys Remain Under Tropical Storm Watch

July 4, 2021 by Editor

Elsa prompted Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in 15 Florida counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota.

“The threat posed by Elsa requires that timely precautions are taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of Florida,” DeSantis’ executive order reads.

Seven Families Earn Keys to Their New Homes

July 4, 2021 by Editor

Seven Families Earn Keys to Their New Homes in Pompano Beach from Habitat for Humanity of Broward

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Seven hard working families received keys to their new homes from Habitat for Humanity of Broward on Saturday, June 26 at A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach.

Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Harden, Vice Mayor Beverly Perkins, and Broward County Commissioner, Dr. Barbara Sharief, joined the new homeowners to celebrate along with Habitat home sponsors, board members, family, and friends.

The proud first-time homeowners include Monique Canteen, Jeanna and Neco Huie; Latandra Mitchell, Karen Smith-Francis and Gilbert Francis; Lauren Smoot, Kenya Wright, and Shirley Yunez.

Yunez, is a mother of three formerly from the Bronx. She has worked as a Parent Educator in the Broward Schools Head Start Program where she empowers young families to reach their goals. “Living in a place where hopelessness was written on the faces of so many, I learned I had to persevere to achieve my dreams,” said Yunez. “I realize the importance of owning my own home and how that can bring stability and safety into our lives. I am so fortunate to be a new Habitat homeowner.”

“We wanted the stability and security that comes from buying a Habitat home, it’s less expensive than rent and you actually pay yourself, not the landlord,” said Karen Smith-Francis a Patient Care Technician at Westside Medical Center.

Jeanna and Neco Huie, hardworking parents of four children. Neco Huie is a Service Technician with City Furniture while Jeanna Huie is a Medical Adjuster. Both were excited to work side by side with City Furniture CEO, Keith Koenig during Habitat Broward’s CEO Build in May. They have moved a great deal in the past year or two, struggling to find an affordable place to live as a six-member household. “Having overcome so many challenges, we feel truly blessed to finally buy our own home and leave our children a legacy,” said Jeanna Huie.

“I’m immensely proud of these families for becoming new homeowners, and so very thankful for our sponsors, volunteers and construction team.” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward Executive Director & CEO. “Habitat Broward is committed to helping families accomplish their goal of homeownership and financial stability, ultimately supporting and sustaining a more vibrant community.”

Through Habitat Broward, hardworking families can obtain affordable homes with affordable mortgages through a combination of sweat equity hours, a modest down payment and coursework.

Homes were made possible thanks to the generosity of Amerant Bank, Burdette Beckmann, Inc., Coke Florida, Rick Case Automotive Group, Robert Taylor, Jr. Family, Wadsworth Family Foundation, TIAA Bank, American Engineering & Development Corporation and Stiles Corporation. Additionally, special thanks to the continued support of the Community Foundation of Broward and the City of Pompano Beach.

Open enrollment for two Pompano Beach locations has been extended through Friday, July 30. Interested families can go to https://www.habitatbroward.org/2020-pre-qualification-questionnaire/ and start the pre-application process.

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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Deadly Surfside building collapse

June 24, 2021 by Editor

Surfside, Florida (CNN) An intense search and rescue effort is underway after part of a 12-story residential building collapsed early Thursday in the South Florida town of Surfside, killing at least one and leaving almost 100 people unaccounted for.

Groundbreaking Marks A Rick Case Habitat Community Surpassing Halfway Milestone in Building 76 Affordable Homes

Groundbreaking Marks A Rick Case Habitat Community
Surpassing Halfway Milestone in Building 76 Affordable Homes