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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