HabiChat Winter 2020: Breaking Down Barriers
Breaking Down Barriers to Homeownership by Christina Enriquez
Above: Karim Muniz, a new homeowner with Pensacola Habitat, receives a Bible from Crystal Scott, Director of Resource Development
Who are the families that partner with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity? Are they the teacher at your kids’ school, the nurse at your local hospital, or the Pensacola Habitat has announced a new homeowner: Karim Muniz. police officer protecting our After countless hours on the build site working on her sweat equity neighborhoods? and completing all the homeowner readiness courses, she closed on her house on January 24, 2020. The answer is all of the above. Pensacola Habitat for Karim is a single mom with a passion for education. As a special Humanity reaches wide across education teacher, Karim empowers students with autism with the community with various necessary skills like communication and finds it to be a rewarding programs and services aimed at job. However, for many years homeownership was out of reach for transforming communities one her. After renting a home with her son for the past 11 years, Karim homeowner at a time. took charge and decided it was time for a change. Affordable
Meet Karim Muniz
Below: Karim and Kristin O’Bryan, Sr. Communications Associate, hug during Karim’s home dedication
housing options are scarce in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, but Karim persevered. After her bid on a home fell through, Karim decided to give Pensacola Habitat for Humanity a try. When she was accepted into the program, overwhelmed with so many emotions, she was finally able to start the process to own a home. “Owning a new home was never a thought on my mind when I began this journey”, said Muniz. Purchasing a home built by Pensacola Habitat means you are investing in your future, and this is exactly what Karim plans to do next. Having a steady, affordable mortgage enables Karim to further her passions. Returning to school and becoming a speech-language pathologist is Karim’s next chapter.
Pensacola Habitat joins in partnership with the community to fulfill the dream of homeownership and build homes, communities, and hope! To apply, visit apply.pensacolahabitat.org
