November / December 2018
Meet the Rivera Family
“Our family means everything to us. Having our own home will provide a sense of security.” Edward and Stephanie have four beautiful children. Noah is 8, loves to draw and wants to play t-ball. Nicholas, who is 7, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. Through early intervention, Nicholas has developed into an intelligent boy who loves school. Arabella is 4 and loves ballet and cheerleading. Addison, a strong willed and smart 1 ½ year old, is determined to keep up with her siblings. When they were younger, Edward and Stephanie did BOARD OF DIRECTORS not always make good financial choices. For the last several years, they have worked diligently to clean up Will Sunter their credit by being careful with their spending and President budgeting to save for things instead of using financing. Elias Mahshie Vice-President Stacy Jones Secretary Tommy Williamson Treasurer Jeff Cardillo Past President
Stephanie graduated from Charlotte Technical College as a certified dental assistant, and Edward recently received his certification as a water restoration technician. With a rent payment of $1,070 per month, it is difficult for Edward and Stephanie to make ends meet. Stephanie says, “We do our best to budget our money for rent, utilities, food, home VOTING DIRECTORS necessities and gas.”
James Coalwell Jay Gordon Greg Griner Paul Lioon Roger Miller Steven Vito Pastor Rich Webb Brittney Williamson CEO Mike Mansfield
After the Riveras learned about Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program, it did not take them long to gather the documents required to submit an application. Once approved, Edward and Stephanie began to work on their sweat equity and take their homeowner education classes knowing they were working on securing a brighter future for their family. Purchasing their own home through Habitat will change the Rivera family forever. Edward said,
Edward and Stephanie will no longer be burdened with high rent, and they look forward to being able to save money and not worry about purchasing groceries or putting gas in their car. The children will be able to participate in sports and classes to expand their skills and interests. Stephanie said, “All we want is a second chance to make a good life for our family.” The Rivera family is one of 35 families that will be working through Charlotte County Habitat’s homeownership program this year. Currently, we have 24 families approved and working on their program requirements. Affordable housing remains limited locally, and we continue to speak with a large number of in-need families. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Will you please consider making a year-end contribution? Your gift will help change lives forever. Children like the Riveras will grow up in safe, decent homes and will have the opportunity to thrive. On behalf of our staff, board of directors and the families we serve, thank you for believing in the Habitat mission. Together, we can continue to make dreams come true and build a stronger community one family at a time. God bless you, Gabrielle Reineck Senior Director of Outreach
www.charlottecountyhfh.org
CONGRATULATIONS FUTURE HOMEOWNERS! Take the first step to see if the Habitat Homeownership Program is right for you by attending an information meeting.
Click for upcoming dates Click to view the homeownership brochure
NUILQUER AVILA-MESA & MAGALY SARIOL-DIAZ This program turned our dream of owning a home into a reality. We are truly thankful.
VANIA SENAT Such a great feeling.....being able to get my family into an affordable Habitat home so we can not only survive, but thrive!
STEPHANIE & ED RIVERA This opportunity is a big blessing to us! We are forever grateful for this chance. It has changed our lives and our children's future.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK! THANK YOU CHARLOTTE HIGH SCHOOL NJROTC FOR YOUR SERVICE GREAT TEAM BUILDING! Having a home for the holidays is a dream for many families. Can you spare a few hours to make a family's dream come true? With your help we can achieve this goal. Contact Pam: [email protected]
Volunteer Spotlight Thank you Americorps NCCC River 1
AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a fulltime, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24. AmeriCorps NCCC requires an intensive, 11 month commitment. Members serve in teams of eight to twelve and are assigned to projects throughout the region served by their campus.
They are trained in CPR, first aid, public safety, and other skills before beginning their first service project. Members are assigned to one of five campuses, located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Vinton, Iowa
To learn more about volunteering, please contact Pam at 941-639-3162 or: [email protected]
CONSTRUCTION VOLUNTEERS, CLICK HERE FOR OUR CURRENT NEEDS:
TIRED OF PAYING TAXES? Why not consider donating your lot? As you drive thru Charlotte County you will notice many undeveloped lots. BEFORE
When members of our affiliate look at undeveloped lots, we envision safe, affordable homes for future Habitat homeowners. Before we can begin constructing a home, the first step is to acquire a buildable piece of property.
AFTER Under the direction of Mike Mansfield, our CEO since July, 2007, we have grown from partnering with 85 to 420 local families in their journey to secure home ownership. Land donations are just one way to contribute to our mission.
We partnered with 30 families during each of our past two fiscal years, and our goal is to partner with 35 families during our current fiscal year. Charlotte County Habitat works continuously to acquire lots to ensure we will be able to reach our mission of partnering with qualified low income families in need of safe, affordable housing. If you do not already have plans for property you own in Charlotte County, would you consider donating it to our affiliate? Land donations are a tremendous way to help our program successfully assist the less fortunate achieve their dream of owning their own home while strengthening our community. If you would like to learn more, please contact Jan at [email protected] or by phone at 941-639-3162, Ext. 107. With your help we can continue making an improvement in our community and in the lives of qualified families.
2ND ANNUAL SPRING FLING PRESENTS
A Night in Vegas! Isles Yacht Club
Saturday, Marach 30, 2019 Click here for sponsor opportunities! Save the Date! Registration opening soon.
20th Annual TURKEY TROT
Thank you to all that made our 20th Turkey Trot a big success! Click here for results and finish line video Click here for photos [email protected]
One room to a whole house! Reasonable Rates!
A Call for Help..... Sadly, Jeannie lost a favorite uncle here in Punta Gorda. As his executor, she had many details to attend to – Meeting with lawyers, dealing with probate, establishing an estate bank account, clearing out the home her uncle loved for many, many years‌. the list goes on. Since she lives in North Carolina and had a limited amount of time here in Florida, this presented a daunting challenge. Jeannie reached out to Habitat Cleanout & Removal and was relieved to turn a bit of the stress and coordination to a trusted source for preparing the home for sale! Contact Jill Symmonds 941-347-7819 for a free estimate! www.habitatcleanout.org
Let us reduce your stress while you give back to your community
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity has successfully helped 420 families since 1987. You can be part of the team! THANK YOU BBH PARTNERS!
Our Newest Partners! We are grateful for your partnership
T errific Community-Minded Businesses H elp Habitat Build Homes A mazing Suppport To Create Change N ow and in the Future K indness Through Their Annual Donations Click here to become a partner
S imply the Best Hearts in Charlotte County!
Participate with confidence: Charlotte County Habitat reinvests 91 cents of every donated dollar into our homeownership program.
Contact Jill: [email protected] or call 941-639-3162
Something new! CC Habitat's Home Improvement Store
We invite you to stop by our Murdock location which is now our Home Improvement ReSale Store! We are packed to the brim with everything you need to replace, patch, repair or just upgrade to something better! Home Improvement is our passion. We have an amazing team of staff and volunteers to assist you with everything you need to know to get the job done.
The Murdock ReSale Store located at 1354 El Jobean Rd.
Habitat's 3 additional locations still have everything you know and love
The Port Charlotte ReSale Store is located at 2440 Tamiami Trail next to our new donation center. This location features home furnishings. The Englewood ReSale Store is our “boutique� location at 3949 S. Access Rd., Englewood. The Punta Gorda ReSale Store is our largest store located at 1750 Manzana Ave. offering a large variety of merchandise.
For ReSale Store hours, locations, and phone numbers, click here
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Argos Ready Mix ~ Certain Water Service ~ Charlotte Harbor Construction ~ Dow Chemical ~ Furniture Warehouse ~ Gulfcoast Engraving ~ Pelletier Home Builder's LLC ~ Punta Gorda Browns Backers ~ Square D Electric ~ Valspar ~ Waste Management ~ Whirlpool Corporation ~ Yale Locks Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity - 1750 Manzana Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 - 941-639-3162 - www.charlottecountyhfh.org