P.O. Box 13204 • Pensacola, FL 32591-3204 Main Office 850-434-5456 Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore 850-476-0001
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #554 Pensacola, FL
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Volume 41, Issue 1, Summer 2021
Gaining Momentum
Sign-up to receive the electronic version of HabiChat at pensacolahabitat.org/habichat To request removal from the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity mailing list, email info@pensacolahabitat.org or call 850-434-5456 ext. 126. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or sources of income.
pensacolahabitat.org rethinkhabitat.org
FROM OUR CEO Board of Directors Mei Davis Chairwomen Gene Franklin Vice Chairman Michael King Treasurer Dick Baker Secretary Al Coby Brent Hargett Dawn Brazwell Michele Dumond Rabbi Joel Fleekop Siobhan Gallagher Mike Lanwehr Matt Newcomer Dr. Charles Reese Betty Salter Josh Womack Sam Young
Chief Executive Officer
“We are gaining momentum and on track to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to over 50 families this fiscal year.” - Sam Young, CEO
For many, homeownership is a pipe dream—either unattainable or not even contemplated. We’re changing that. At Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, we believe that homeownership is a critical key to breaking the cycle of poverty, building strong families and revitalizing communities. After a challenging year that included a hurricane, a pandemic, a temporary shutdown and escalating material and labor prices, I am extremely proud to report that we ended the year delivering more homes and serving more families than at any time in the last 5 years. With the support of an engaged Board, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and an Incredible staff, we intend to double last years production and deliver over 50 homes to deserving Escambia and Santa Rosa families.
for residents by offering assistance programs that Include critical home repair, weatherization, wheelchair ramps and other services that enhance the homeowner’s quality of life. Grants, financial contributions and the dedication of our staff and volunteers continue to bring hope to those in our community that need it most.
HabiChat Summer 2021: Gaining Momentum
Stuff the Truck by Kevin Dulion, Pensacola Habitat For Humanity Communications Intern
Because of geographic limitations, making the trip to donate to the Pensacola Habitat ReStore is not always a viable or optimal option for some of our community. Additionally, because of those geographic limitations, Pensacola Habitat recognizes that some might be unaware of the Pensacola Habitat ReStore’s identity, how it supports Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, and how it supports the community. Stuff the Truck then contains two primary functions. Firstly, the event serves as an attempt to answer the call with respect to making donations a more accessible and convenient
option to those who live or operate businesses in more distant locations. Secondly, Pensacola Habitat hopes to inform the public of its cause, distinguish it from others and create and sustain engagement with the community by building relationships with them. This type of event is still new to the affiliate as they have only held it once. Pensacola Habitat plans to hold it quarterly, which means the affiliate has the opportunity to continually strengthen its knowledge as to how to run a successful Stuff the Truck. Because Pensacola Habitat has executed their first Stuff the Truck event, they have
created a foundation that I have the opportunity to build upon. I aim to further supplement the affiliate’s Stuff the Truck procedures in a way that not only sets them up for success for their upcoming Stuff the Truck, but all Stuff the Truck events that will follow. Through much deliberation and exertion into promotional activities such as writing press releases, creating and scheduling social media posts, and coordinating with other local organizations, I hope that I can effectively accomplish my aim in order to benefit the affiliate and naturally the local community as well.
Stay tuned; there is much more to We are also focusing on enhancing come…… our Community Development Program, Sam Young, CEO which works to preserve homeownership
In Memory of
Roger Frazee
NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is the only Habitat for Humanity International affiliate that is a charter member of NeighborWorks America.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION # CH37256
A gift of $20,000 was recently donated to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity in memory of Roger Frazee. “Gifts like this allow our affiliate to have a significantly larger impact in out service area. This donation was very special because it was made in memory of a loved one. I enjoy being able to share stories with donors about how their contribution is changing lives right here at home.”
Roger Frazee
- Crystal Scott VP of Development and Communications
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Make a donation today! Please consider a contribution to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Your donation will assist families in our community!
Name Address
City, State
Look for my pledge online at pensacolahabitat.org/donate
Zip
Please mail this slip Pensacola Habitat for Humanity 300 W Leonard St along with your Pensacola, FL 32501 donation to:
Enclosed is my donation of $
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HabiChat Summer 2021: Gaining Momentum
HabiChat Summer 2021: Gaining Momentum
Help Support Local Families
Energy Efficient Homes
by Mark Weber The ReStore is Pensacola Habitat’s mission-supporting retail store that takes the principles of recycling and volunteerism and turns them into homes that are purchased by local individuals and families that qualify for our Home Buyer Program. The store accepts donations of gently used and new household goods, appliances, cabinetry, furniture, building materials, and other home goods and sells (recycles) them to the community at substantially more affordable prices than other comparable items.
You’re Invited...
Pensacola Habitat inside an interactive exhibit. Throughout the evening, attendees by Quinn Lehring will hear from homeowners who have completed the Pensacola Habitat Pensacola Habitat for Humanity will be Home Buyer Program, along with a few hosting its first gala, Framing 40 Years, community supporters who have helped to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Thursday, September 23rd, from 5:30-9 Pensacola Habitat pursue its mission the p.m. at the Court of Deluna in Pensacola. last 40 years. This event is open to the public, and all Pensacola Habitat for Humanity supporters, Home Buyers, Homeowners, and volunteers are encouraged to attend. Guests will receive an exclusive look at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s past, present, and future and how community support for affordable homeownership has helped transform Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties throughout the years.
“We’re really excited to bring this event to our community in a time where we can all be reminded of the positive things happening around us. Providing affordable homeownership opportunities for over 1,400 households is something to celebrate! But the work doesn’t stop now. We have a lot of big plans for the organization’s future,” said Quinn Luehring, Development Specialist at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.
The evening will feature a cocktail hour (5:30-7 p.m.), followed by a threecourse meal during the program (7-9 p.m.). All guests can arrive at any time during cocktail hour, where they will receive complimentary champagne, beer, specialty cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres, and an early preview of silent auction items. During this time, guests will journey through the four decades of
Tickets are $70 and include cocktail hour, dinner, and program. Sponsorships are still available. Seating is limited.
Scan here to learn more or purchase your Gala tickets! Pensacolahabitat.org/40years
Thank you to all of our sponsors who make this event possible Baptist Healthcare, Anderson Subaru, Culinary Productions, Gulf Coast Panorama, Cox Communications, NE Pensacola Sertoma, Mr. Pollo Pensacola, Thrivent, Data Revolution, Morgan Law Group, South State Bank, Walmer Air Conditioning + Heating Co., Gulf Power, Chuck Reese and NeighborWorks.
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All store profits go to support Pensacola Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope, serving local individuals and families who would struggle to qualify for a mortgage through a traditional lender. Consider donating your excess household goods and building materials to the Pensacola Habitat ReStore. We’ll gladly take new and gently used items off your hands, and you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped support local families and that your items didn’t end up in the landfill. All your donations are tax-deductible. For businesses, donating to the ReStore is a great way to move discontinued or excess stock, handle gently used returns, and show your customers that you care. Be sure to stop by the Restore located at 6931 N 9th Ave #29, Pensacola, FL 32504 in East Gate Plaza. We are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
To learn more or schedule a free pickup, please visit
pensacolarestore.org
by Steve Esser, Gulf Power Sr. Communications Specialist Gulf Power has long supported the efforts of Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Northwest Florida to provide safe, affordable homes for individuals and families. Whether it’s a house sponsorship through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program to build a new home, having our employees roll up their sleeves to support the construction, or, most recently, donating $100,000 from the Gulf Power Foundation to Pensacola Habitat’s Weatherization and Repair Assistance Project, we know the importance of a quality, energy-efficient home and what it can mean for both the individuals and families, as well as our community as a whole.
We look forward to working with incredible organizations like Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to help people throughout Northwest Florida. Programs like WRAP, not only help with repairs, but help improve the sustainability of a home. Gulf Power is a big believer in energy efficiency and, in addition to programs like WRAP, offers many ways for customers to manage their energy
use. You can learn more about other programs designed to help at gulfpower. com/waystosave. To learn more or apply for the Weatherization and Repair Assistance Program (WRAP), visit pensacolahabitat.org/WRAP.
Working with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity on their WRAP program was an excellent opportunity for us to support energy efficiency efforts that will positively impact electric bills at their client’s homes. The project makes weatherization and emergency repair assessments to help homeowners and provides some funding to cover the expenses of those repairs. It is a great partnership focused on assisting others in taking ownership of their home’s energy efficiency.
WORD SEARCH
Take some time to
find all the words!
GALA WOMEN BUILD HOME BUYERS WAHOOS NONPROFIT PALAFOX MARKET AFFILIATE GALLERY NIGHT FOOD TRUCKS HABIHOUR GUIDE 5
HabiChat Summer 2021: Gaining Momentum
Summer Service
Women Build
by Emma Field
by Casey Kuktelionis, Long Time Pensacola Habitat Volunteer
In total, 234 volunteers from church youth groups in Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi completed repairs on 2 homes in Cantonment, 2 homes in Pensacola and 1 home in Milton. They volunteered over 4,500 hours of their time and donated over $10,000 in materials.
forget their stories, or the sheer gratitude they express, often through tears of joy. The sweat and the soreness will fade away quickly, but the elation felt after helping a woman build their home lasts forever.
What do 140 women have in common?
This summer, we partnered with TeamEffort Missions to complete critical home repairs for homeowners in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties as part of our Community Development Program. TeamEffort Missions is a summer camp for youth groups throughout the United States with the mission of providing opportunities to put faith into action and return home with a renewed excitement for Jesus Christ.
The desire to have fun, give back, learn something new and change someone’s life for the better.
They completed landscaping, roof repairs, fence repairs, siding repairs, painting and more! We are so grateful to have had them in town and look forward to partnering again with them next summer. Visit pensacolahabitat. org/community developement to learn more or apply for our Community Developement Program.
Looking for ways to make a difference in our community? Email us today! volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org
Every year I am more impressed by all the strong women who come together to support and build alongside our future homeowner. From entrepreneurs to stay-at-home moms, women builders come together to help make one woman’s homeownership dream come true. These women are not only Women Builders, but they also support so many organizations – continuously working to make the Pensacola area a better place to live, work and play for all of us. When I think back to first joining a women build team, I remember feeling excited to build, yet intimated about fundraising. How could I possibly raise $500, let alone make a dent in our $100,000 overall goal? As a fourth-year women builder, I can happily tell
Casey Kuktelionis
you that the intimidation goes away and is replaced by the energizing feeling of the difference you can help make with just a little effort. When each person does their part, there is no stopping what this group of women can accomplish! As I head into my fourth year as a women build team leader, I remember the teams I’ve worked on and the houses we’ve built together, but most of all, I remember our new homeowners. It’s impossible to
Did you know? Pensacola Habitat for Humanity now accepts volunteers ages 16+ on our jobsites and at the ReStore! This is an excellent way to gain community service hours and make a difference! Applying for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Eligibility for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship requires that students complete up to 100 volunteer service hours depending on the Scholarship. Volunteer with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity today! To learn more email us at volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org or call us at (850) 434-5456 extension 102.
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Homeownership is a gift that keeps on giving. Just like a seed, when it’s planted it can grow into a beautiful garden. When I help build a home, I know I am helping a woman change her life – and change the life of her family. Women Build isn’t over just because the house is finished. Women build is just the beginning. Together we build a foundation for a successful future and a stronger community. One day, I hope to be able to say I helped at least 50 different women achieve their homeownership dreams – all because I choose to pick up that pink hammer. To learn more about Women Build, please visit womenbuild.pensacolahabitat.org