Thursday, March 25, 2010
HOBE SOUND, Fla., March 25, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) celebrated the construction of its 82nd home at a dedication ceremony on March 20 in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. The new homeowner, Gary Woods, thanked all those who worked so hard to help him reach this goal.
After explaining that Woods had contributed 300 sweat equity hours working on his home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner, Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director, presented Woods with the key to his new home. At the end of the ceremony, Woods invited supporters inside for a tour of the home and a barbecue lunch.
“After living in a rooming house, having my own place is a dream come true,” said Woods. “I’m so happy to be moving into my own home so I can invite my son, grandchildren and extended family to visit on a regular basis.”
Through the donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, HFHMC was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. Woods purchased the home with a no-profit loan and his monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.
In addition to Woods’ sweat equity efforts, he joined the Banner Lake Community Group, an organization focused on neighborhood improvement.
“We are so pleased to present Gary with the keys to his new home. He worked so hard and is truly dedicated to making Banner Lake a great place to live,” said Graff. “We would also like to thank all the volunteers who generously donated their time to help make this house a home, as well as Publix Super Market Charities, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners and the Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”
HFHMC also thanks Clarence Banks, Nancy Cloud, All Kinds of Clean, and the Summerfield Garden Club for their contributions, as well as cross-country bicyclist riding for Habitat for Humanity, Brian Hochman.
To support an upcoming build or to learn more about Habitat homeownership, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.
About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.
