Rick Case Habitat Community

Widow’s dream of homeownership comes true

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Widow’s dream of homeownership comes true on the heels of Mother’s Day as Habitat Broward celebrates the dedication of four WOMENBuild sponsored homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’

Widow’s dream of homeownership comes true on the heels of Mother’s Day as Habitat Broward celebrates the dedication of four WOMENBuild sponsored homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (May 22, 2023) – It was a bittersweet celebration for widow, Assitan Niangadou-Sidibe, as she received the keys to her new home at the dedication ceremony hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Broward on Saturday, May 20, for four WOMENBuild sponsored homes at “A Rick Case Habitat Community.”

The four new homeowners, including the Marieffe Ferrera, Takira Lundy, and Niangadou-Sidibe families are thankful for their generous home sponsors CITY Furniture, Sharon Gustofson-Floresque, J.R. Dunn and WSVN 7.

“This is a blessing I could never have hoped for without Habitat Broward and my sponsor Sharon Gustofson-Floresque. She gave my family a future filled with hope and security,” said Niangadou-Sidibe.

Niangadou-Sidibe was born and raised in West Africa, and like most immigrants, she came to the United States in search of the “American Dream.” New York was her welcoming State but after getting married, she moved to sunny South Florida and had two wonderful children.

Sadly, Niangadou-Sidibe’s husband passed away suddenly in 2021 and that’s when she turned to Habitat Broward as she could no longer afford a decent place to live for her family on her own. One of her coworkers, at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport told her about the Habitat Broward homeownership program and Sidibe applied and was accepted into the program.

Now Niangadou-Sidibe can rest assured in her new haven with children 13 years old, 8th grader Assan Sidibe and 5th grader Kadijatu Sidibe who also celebrated her 11th birthday on dedication day.

“This day shows what can be accomplished when we all work together to provide homeownership to hard-working families,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat Broward. “These four families with your help, are building homes, community and hope.”

Robin continued “A house is not just a house, it’s a home that nurtures families. It offers children the chance to do better at school, it leads to healthier families, a home improves safety, and it economically empowers like no other force…homeownership should be valued and also celebrated.”

Affordable housing uplifts residents, encourages social connection, increases adjacent property values, attracts businesses, jobs, and lowers crime rates.

Launched in 2023, “The Rita Case WOMENBuild” exhibited real girl power by raising a towering $800,000 in sponsorship for eight new homes including these four at “A Rick Case Habitat Community.” When complete, the Pompano Beach community of 76 homes will be the largest affordable homeownership community in the County’s history.

Spearheaded by business leader and philanthropist, Rita Case, “The Rita Case WOMENBuild” engages other extraordinary South Florida women in leadership to unite in their commitment to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing to the underserved in the area.

Since its launch in 2002, Habitat Broward’s “Women Build” program has engaged, equipped, and empowered more than 1,000 women to fund and build 52 homes throughout Broward County.

Women Build is a global movement that seeks to empower women to support women and families in need of affordable housing. The need is great in Broward, the nation’s most cost prohibitive community for affordable workforce housing.

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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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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5 Families Welcomed at the Rick Case Habitat Community

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

Raquel and Ryan Case with the Sterile Boyd family at Habitat Browards Dedication Ceremony on Saturday February 5 at A Rick Case Habitat Community

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

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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.

Habitat Broward Hosts ‘Delegation Build Day’ at A Rick Case Habitat Community to Support 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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‘Building Futures’ Pilot Program Launched by Habitat for Humanity

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‘Building Futures’ Pilot Program Launched by Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s Rick Case Habitat Community and Boys & Girls Club of Broward County

POMPANO BEACH, FL. – Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s Rick Case Habitat Community and the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, is proud to announce the “Building Futures” pilot program. Modeled after a similar program in Cleveland, Ohio, the goals of the program are to introduce students to career opportunities in a variety of trades, engage them in taking responsibility for their future and set them on a path for a successful and rewarding career.

Through a unique approach, Habitat home building projects will be used to give selected 16 through 19-year-old students eight weeks of intensive hands-on experience with a variety of skilled construction trades. In addition to providing new homes for families in search of affordable housing, this program will provide these students with a better understanding of the career opportunities available to them in the skilled trades and give them the introductory skills needed to enter this field. By making these opportunities tangible, the program intends to show the students that their future is within their own control and that a successful career, including home ownership, is available to them.

A Rick Case Habitat Community, the largest affordable single family housing project in Broward’s history, will serve as the primary site location for this pilot program.

Funding for this pilot program is provided by a generous, anonymous donor with ties to both Cleveland, Ohio and Broward County.

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” families who are unable to qualify for conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and gain economic empowerment through 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 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) private agency, dedicated to helping young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and developing values and skills during their critical period of growth. Serving more than 12,000 at-risk youths, ages 6-18 each year from its 12 Broward County-area clubs, their purpose is to inspire and enable children to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. BGCBC has once again received the coveted 4 stars rating (out of 4 stars) for the tenth year in a row. Only 3% of the Non-Profits in the USA have achieved this level of excellence from Charity Navigator. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is located at 877 NW 61st Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

For more information call (954) 537-1010 or view the website at www.bgcbc.org.

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