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Habitat for Humanity of Broward Raises Awareness and More

April 12, 2023 by Editor

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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Habitat for Humanity of Broward Hosts 3rd Annual CEO Build

March 11, 2022 by Editor

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (March 7, 2022) – CEOs from many of South Florida’s largest and most influential businesses joined together in support for affordable workforce housing during Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s 3rd annual CEO Build on Saturday, March 5. The company leaders helped weatherproof new homes being built as part of a revitalization program for Collier City in Pompano Beach.

Event co-chairs Brent Burns, President and CEO of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and Keith Koenig, Chairman of CITY Furniture led 40 business leaders who worked side-by-side with future homeowners striving to earn their piece of the American dream.

“Together we lead organizations that employ hundreds of thousands. We know how impressive these employees are and we need to speak up to ensure they have a safe, affordable place to call home. We cannot thank the participants in this year’s CEO Build enough for leading the charge for change,” said Koenig. “At CITY Furniture, giving back is at the heart of our brand. Our goal is to make you feel good about where you live — and that means both the place you call home, and the community we all share.”

“JM Family has been a supporter of Habitat for decades and are thrilled this is our third year sponsoring a CEO Build. We are always humbled by the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with families, whose sweat equity helps earn them an affordable mortgage, and I hope this serves as a rallying cry to other executives who want to join the fight. There is great need in our community and together we can make a significant, impactful difference for those who need it most,” said Burns.

Today in Broward the median sale price of a single-family home is $500,000. That’s a 16 percent year-over-year increase. Investment in affordable workforce housing helps families build wealth and stimulates growth necessary for a healthy, equitable society. The impact of families becoming homeowners is profound:

Their children are twice as likely to go to college
74 percent will report better health
Their net worth will climb to 44 times that of a renter

Habitat for Humanity of Broward offers working families a way to earn an affordable mortgage kept to 30 percent of household income through the sweat equity they invest. The success of the Habitat Broward model has provided hundreds of families with the economic empowerment that comes with home ownership.

“We build more than homes – we build communities, we lift up neighborhoods, often helping them turn the corner from blight to connected places of hope. And in these homes, we help families become more empowered leaders to help nourish that community,” said Nancy Robin CEO and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Broward. “These participants provide the compassion, grit and leadership that is helping our community respond to the affordable housing crisis. Thanks to them Broward’s will enter the future as a vital, inclusive, and equitable community.”

Collier City Revitalization along the NW 27th Avenue corridor is a top priority of Pompano Beach’s Northwest CRA and Habitat for Humanity of Broward. Improvements will include Habitat’s construction of 12 new single-family homes with one-car garages, street lighting and improvements to McNair Park by the City, and the addition of a new Broward Sheriff’s Office substation. The combination of these investments will increase low-income families’ access to affordable housing, improve property values in Collier City and increase residents’ feelings of security through improved lighting, the BSO substation, and a state-of-the-art community park and center.

In addition to event co-chairs Brent Burns and Keith Koenig, leaders from companies such as Advanced Roofing, Amerant Bank, American Heritage Schools, AshBritt, AshBritt Management and Logistics, BDO, Ben F. Harrison Foundation, Burdette Beckmann Inc., Broward College, Castle Group, Celebrity Cruises, City of Deerfield Beach, Cushman and Wakefield, Denison Yachting, DOTOLI Group, The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation, Inc., GL Homes, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Health Business Solutions, HEICO Corporation, Holy Cross Health, Hudson Family Foundation, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Kaufman Lynn Construction, KEITH and Associates, Mesirow Financial, Miami Dolphins, Miller Construction Company, Pirtle Construction Company, PNC Bank, Ranger Technical Resources, Rick Case Automotive Group, Right Management, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler, Tripp Scott, South Florida Business Journal, Walter Duke + Partners, and Channel 7 Foundation/WSVN were present at the CEO Build.

Habitat Broward Receives $5,000 State Farm Grant

January 24, 2022 by Editor

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (January 18, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward received a $5,000 grant from State Farm as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary. The grant funds will be used towards keeping Habitat homeowners safe from hurricane-force winds by providing hurricane straps to anchor the homes’ roof trusses to the exterior walls. The grant will benefit hard-working families in need of a decent, affordable place to live in Broward County.

“This grant embodies the spirit of what our company has been about for the last 100 years, about giving back and being a good neighbor,” said Jose Soto at State Farm. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Habitat Broward and to help keep families safe and secure.”

Affordable, resilient housing is critical to promoting a sustainable COVID-19 recovery for the more than 80 percent of Broward residents who can’t afford their own home and the local economy they support.

Housing experts and community leaders agree that affordable housing solutions will play a key role in Broward’s long-term COVID-19 recovery.

“No one entity can solve this social and economic crisis alone. That is why we are so grateful for private-sector support from corporate citizens like State Farm,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward’s CEO and Executive Director. “We thank State Farm for continuously investing in safe affordable workforce housing and for stepping up to meet this community challenge.”

Habitat Broward’s program combines home construction with affordable mortgage financing and robust education to put working families on the path to long-term financial security through homeownership.

State Farm has been a corporate sponsor of Habitat Broward for over a decade. With the shared commitment to affordable housing, they have worked together to build a stronger, resilient community, one home and family at a time. Since making its first gift in 2011, State Farm has donated over $50,000 in funding and hundreds of volunteer hours to make affordable housing a reality for low-income families in need of a decent, affordable place to call home.

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 hardworking families who are unable to qualify for conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and create intergenerational wealth. 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.

About State Farm®
For 100 years, the mission of State Farm has and continues to be to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its 19,300 agents and nearly 55,000 employees serve approximately 86 million policies and accounts – which includes auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

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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 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.

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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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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Broward County Announces 24 Vote-by-Mail Drop Off Locations for November Election

September 1, 2020 by Editor

Voters in Broward County choosing to cast their vote by mail for November’s general election will have two dozen new locations to drop off their ballots amid concerns over potential slowdowns within the United States Postal Service

24 Broward County Locations for Ballot Drop Off

Broward County Emergency Order 20-06 Issued

April 10, 2020 by Editor

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry issued Emergency Order 20-06 today, effective as of 12:01AM Friday, April 10, 2020.The Emergency Order clarifies essential businesses and essential services, as well as encourages essential businesses to provide enhanced sanitary practices at their locations.

The Governor’s Executive Order 20-89 issued on March 20th requires Broward County to restrict public access to business and facilities deemed nonessential under Miami-Dade Emergency Order 07-20. The Governor’s subsequent Executive Order 20-91 issued on March 30th orders that all persons in Florida limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their homes to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. The current order clarifies and codifies the Governor’s order to make it applicable to Broward County.

In addition, all businesses providing essential services are strongly encouraged to:

– Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers for use by customers and employees;

– Provide disinfecting wipes at points of entrance, cash registers, and/or other appropriate locations for customers to disinfect carts, shopping baskets, and point of sale terminals; or, alternatively, designate staff responsible for disinfecting carts, shopping baskets, and points of sale terminals after each customer use; and

– Implement procedures for custodial or janitorial staff to sanitize frequent touch points through the day, including point of sale terminals at registers, conveyor belts, door handles, door plates, shelves, and other appropriate locations.

This Emergency Order does not limit religious services at any location, but all persons performing or attending religious services are urged to fully comply with all measures advised by the CDC including limiting gatherings to no more than ten (10) people and practicing social distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons.

Except as otherwise provided or required by any other applicable Executive Order, this order does not affect or limit the operations of Broward County, any public utility, any municipality, the Broward County School District, the North Broward Hospital District, the South Broward Hospital District, any other local government entity in Broward County, or any State or federal office or facility.

For the latest updates, visit FloridaHealth.gov, email COVID-19@flhealth.gov or call the Call Center at 954-357-9500. To learn what Broward County is doing, visit Broward.org/Coronavirus .

See Essential Services Frequently Asked Questions.

DATE: April 9, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Ric Barrick, Assistant Director
Office of Public Communications
PHONE: 954-357-8541
EMAIL: rbarrick@broward.org

News Releases:

https://www.broward.org/CoronaVirus/Pages/Updates.aspx?=Releases

Broward County issues stay-at-home order

March 26, 2020 by Editor

Coronavirus: Broward County issues ‘shelter in place’ order

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County is urging its residents to remain at home and only leave for essential reasons, which include food, work and exercise that complies with social distancing guidelines.

Broward’s “Shelter-in-Place: Safer at Home” emergency order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus is similar to what several municipalities in South Florida had enacted, and it builds on the order earlier this week that closed non-essential businesses in Broward.

It begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday in Broward’s 31 cities.

“Broward County needs to be a leader and to send a clear message to the public,” Commissioner Mark Bogen said. “The goal is to urge people to stay home.”

Essential activities that remain allowed include:

Going to work or to a medical appointment
Getting groceries or takeout
Exercising outdoors (following the CDC’s social distance guidelines)
And leaving home in the event of an emergency

Broward Concrete Counter Tops by EcoSimplista

June 17, 2020January 23, 2020 by Editor

We moved: 217 SW 33rd Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Not all concrete countertops are the same! Finding a reputable concrete craftsman is the first step!

EcoSimplista works closely with Alternative Constructors, whom manufactures concrete countertops using a new school method called GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete). Alternative Constructors create thin, lightweight countertops that have the appearance of solid, large pieces. GFRC countertops weigh anywhere from 30%-70% lighter than our traditional mix and have more tensile and compressive strength to go with it.

Our pricing will include all project costs: such as surface preparation, needed machinery,

You will need to setup an appointment to talk about your project and for us to quote you.

Alternative Constructors concrete countertops are 100% custom, made-to-order countertops. There are 32 standard colors to choose from. Countertop widths are typically 3/4″ thick but can be built to fit your needs. Aggregates such as recycled glass, mirror pieces, shells or other decorative items can be added to countertops to create an even more one-of-a-kind countertop (this will drive price up). Prices start at $80.00 per square foot.

Check out Alternative Constructors for pictures of countertop products. http://alternativeconstructors.com/portfolios/

Please call (954) 565-5900 or contact us online https://www.ecosimplista.com/reach-us/ to set up an appointment to receive a custom estimate. Only applies to South Florida region.

“There are no limits when it comes to artisan concrete – whether it’s a traditional design or constructed into a beautiful piece of artwork inspired by patterns and forms. Alternative Constructors applies an imaginative vision to artisan concrete projects by adding glass, shells or other decorative items to create an eye-catching masterpiece. In addition to the versatility of the green building material, it’s high-performing, low maintenance and provides durability to stand up to excessive wear and tear. – Derek Shambora”

EcoSimplista – Your Eco Friendly Home Improvement Company
217 SW 33rd Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 565-5900

Green technologies for integrating stormwater management

December 12, 2019 by Editor

As Broward has become built-out, urban densification and redevelopment activities have made innovative strategies to providing stormwater management increasingly necessary. These new approaches, often referred to as green techniques, help mimic natural processes and integrate stormwater management within the landscape to create multi-functional site designs.

These green technologies divert stormwater from traditional storm sewer systems to areas where it can be absorbed and treated by the soil and native vegetation. Designed to retain and treat water on site, these green technologies create water resource benefits that include enhanced aquifer recharge and stormwater recycling.?

Green technologies for integrating stormwater management on urban/suburban single-family home sites:

Naturescape with native vegetation to reduce water and fertilizer use
Cisterns/Rain Barrels
Rain Gardens
Bioretention
Bioswales
Stormwater Wetlands
Green Roofs
Permeable Pavements

Hepatitis A outbreak declared in Broward County

April 11, 2019 by Editor

Updated: 12:48 PM, April 11, 2019

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Health officials confirmed Thursday that an outbreak of Hepatitis A is spreading across Broward County.

Heptatitis A is a contagious liver infection that causes inflammation and can last a few weeks, but up to several months. The virus is spread through contaminated food or drinks that have been exposed to the fecal matter of someone who has the virus.

The virus can also be picked up by eating raw shellfish from water that has been polluted by sewage.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

Nausea
Fever
Diarrhea
Stomach Pain
Fatigue
Jaundice

Doctors recommend thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

https://www.local10.com/health/hepatitis-a-outbreak-declared-in-broward-county