State Farm grant to Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County

As Bailey Vaughn swings a hammer, she can’t help but talk about what lays ahead for her and her family.

“Homeownership.”

As a single mother of two boys, ages 3 and 1, as well as a small business owner, being a part of the Partner Family program with Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County gives Vaughn “hope.”

“Professionally, as an entrepreneur, I can continue to positively impact my community through my business,” said the 28-year-old who owns and operates Art in Motion Conservatory of Dance in the city of Dunnellon. “Personally, as a future homeowner, I get to meet my neighbors while we work together to build our neighborhood. As a family, for my two sons who are 3 and 1, it means they will have a safe and consistent home to grow up in.”

Vaughn admits that she never thought homeownership was possible, especially while raising two children and having just opened her own business two-and-half years ago. She said she was aware of Habitat for Humanity’s presence and footprint in Citrus County.

“It had not occurred to me that my little family would be a candidate to participate in the program until I spoke to a homeowner who had gone through the partner family program and I realized that it is families like mine that this organization exists to help,” she said, adding the homeowner offered words of encouragement and guidance to successfully navigate the program to becoming a homeowner.

But it’s not just the advice and encouragement of current HFHCC homeowners, it’s partnership with State Farm®, which provided a grant of $10,000, that help purchase materials and supplies to build her family’s new home.

Together, State Farm® and Habitat are making that dream come one step closer to reality.

“State Farm has been a long-time steadfast supporter of HFHCC,” said COO Justin Leech. “It’s because of partnerships with companies such as State Farm that we are able to play a role in helping families achieve the American dream that is homeownership.”

“State Farm is proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County efforts to build affordable homes in our community” said Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “This grant, along with State Farm associates volunteering with Habitat, reflects our commitment to helping families achieve their dream of homeownership.”

Bailey Vaughn shares a laugh with volunteers as she grabs a handful of additional nails to finish installing ox board sheathing on a future Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County house in its development in Citrus Springs.

The Insight Credit Union Community Foundation recently awarded Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County a $1,000 grant, believing HFHCC’s and Insight Community Foundation’s visions align with each other.

“Thank you for allowing Insight Community Foundation the opportunity to support such a worthy cause,” exclaimed Cyndi Jones, chairman of Insight Community Foundation Inc.

The grant funding provided by the Insight Community Foundation will be used toward its Vital Community Housing and Stability Initiatives, which includes homeowner education and financial literacy classes for successful homeownership after family partners complete the HFHCC Home Ownership program.

Additional classes available to them include mental health awareness, how to be a good neighbor, security and safety protocols.

“Homebuyer education is a very intricate part of our program and we couldn’t do it without community partners like Insight Community Foundation,” said Christine Erick, HFHCC’s Family Services Director.

Habitat for Humanity offers a “hand up,” not a “hand out” to income-qualified families who are unable to secure conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives.

Key initiatives include empowering these partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching partner families the skills and attitudes needed to make positive life choices.

For more information about HFHCC or its homeownership program, visit www.habitatcc.org/programs/.

The Capital City Bank Group Foundation recently awarded Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County a $5,000 grant, believing HFHCC’s vision aligns with the goals of Capital City Bank’s

Bart Bennett, right, Vice President Business Banker for Capital City Bank Inverness, presents Christine Erick, left, Director of Family Services for HFHCC, with the $5,000 check from Capital City Bank Group Foundation.

Group Foundation.

“At Capital City Bank, we proudly support organizations that build strong communities by enhancing the quality of life where we live and do business,” said Brooke Hallock, Chief Brand Officer with Capital City Bank, noting since 1885 Capital City Bank has invested in “initiatives that contribute to building a strong community. Today, we are still striving to be a catalyst in engaging and supporting associate volunteerism and involvement.”

The grant funding provided by the Capital City Bank Group Foundation will be used toward its Vital Community Housing and Stability Initiatives, which includes homeowner education and financial literacy classes for successful homeownership after family partners complete the HFHCC Home Ownership program.

Additional classes available to them include mental health awareness, how to be a good neighbor, security and safety protocols.

“Homebuyer education is a very intricate part of our program and we couldn’t do it without community partners like Capital City Bank,” said Christine Erick, HFHCC’s Family Services Director.

Habitat for Humanity offers a “hand up,” not a “hand out” to income-qualified families who are unable to secure conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives.

Key initiatives include empowering these partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching the youth of future homeowner families the skills and attitudes needed to make positive life choices.

For more information about HFHCC or its homeownership program, visit www.habitatcc.org.

By George Rusaw

For 30-plus years now, essential workforce employees providing much-needed day-to-day services to the community have turned to Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County seeking a safe, stable, affordable housing environment for their families.

By partnering with HFHCC, those families receive a hand up, not a handout. Our unique approach empowers families through homeownership, requiring them to invest “sweat equity” into building homes alongside volunteers.

As we look toward a new fiscal year here at HFHCC, we wanted to take a moment to take a look back at our most recent fiscal year, which included plenty of highlights:

• Our Crystal River and Inverness ReStores generated more than $2 million in sales, which is made possible through the support of our citizens and businesses that both shop for goods as well as donate items for resale.
• A record 21 new home builds, which have provided stability to families who are educators, paraprofessionals, skilled laborers, health care workers, retail employees and much more. This accomplishment would not be possible without the generous support of the citizens, who regularly shop at our two ReStores, and businesses such as Nick Nicholas Ford, Crystal Motor Company, Eagle Buick/GMC, Public Super Market Charities that sponsored home builds.
• We celebrated 250 families served through our home ownership program.
• We launched a new user-friendly website (habitatcc.org), which has several new features such as an online application process for prospective family partners and donation pickup requests.

All of our accomplishments this past fiscal year sets the stage for an ambitious, but achievable, new year ahead.

• We plan to build 35 new homes this coming year, meaning 35 new families will achieve housing security. To accomplish this feat, we need families who meet our qualifications and share a willingness to partner with us. Visit habitatcc.org/programs for more information.
• We need volunteers at both of our ReStores as well as our Construction Site. To register as a volunteer, visit habitatcc.org/get-involved/volunteer.
• Continue shopping at both of our ReStores as well as donating gently used items and materials.
• We will celebrate our 250th new home build this calendar year. But to celebrate this milestone achievement, we are requesting the community’s assistance. We are asking for residents, businesses and civic organizations to contribute $250 or more toward the completion of our 250th new home build. To contribute a monetary donation, mail a check to HFHCC, P.O. Box 1041, Crystal River, FL, 34423 or visit tinyurl.com/46urzj79.
• We will host our inaugural Habitat HabiBlast, a clay target shoot, on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays (TBSC). Entry fees are $150 per person or $550 per team, up to four people. Entry fees include a T-Shirt, 50 targets per shooter, two boxes of shells (either 12-gauge or 20-gauge), one golf cart per team (individuals will be grouped into foursomes), lunch and drinks, silent auction and 50/50 drawing. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/29bnsr5r. Individuals and teams can also register at either of Habitat’s two ReStores in Crystal River or Inverness. Youths, 17 and younger, are allowed to compete, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

By supporting Habitat, you’re not just giving; you’re investing in stronger, more resilient communities. Join us in building homes, neighborhoods, and hope for everyone.

George Rusaw is the CEO/President of Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County.

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 EMPLOY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

George Rusaw
CEO/President

George Rusaw

Since it first began operating in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County has built or rehabilitated more than 240 homes, thereby providing safe, affordable housing for more than 600 individuals and families in Citrus County.

Those individuals and families include health-care workers, skilled trades employees, educators and support staff, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, first responders and service industry employees to name a few.

There are many different facets that have gone into making Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County a success over the past 30 years:

• Those who have a heart for helping others.
• The thousands of volunteers, who have come through the doors over the years, to help lend their time and talents at our ReStores and the building of homes.
• The partner families, who buy into the values of the program as they seek safe, affordable housing for their families.
• The businesses, organizations and individuals who contribute housewarming gifts.
• Our Contractor’s Club members.
• Private donors.
• The corporate businesses that sponsor house builds or help to finance our education classes for our future homeowners through community grants.
• Our partnership with Citrus County Housing Services and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
• The Crystal River and Inverness ReStores who are our largest house sponsors.

The ReStores provide financial support to Habitat for Humanity. Our first ReStore opened in 2003, the second opened in 2010. By shopping, donating, or volunteering at the Restore, you help local families build better futures.

The ReStores offer excellent bargains and one-of-a-kind treasures to shoppers while supporting Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. By making a donation of household items, you’re helping keep usable goods out of landfills!

One critical aspect of our ReStores’ success has been community partnerships with the area’s homebuilders, remodeling companies, commercial contractors as well as suppliers in flooring, windows, cabinets and other various home remodeling materials.

We’re continuing to ask our partners in the construction industry – commercial and residential – and home improvement stores to consider donating unused materials or discontinued items to our Crystal River or Inverness ReStores.

If you have unused materials or discontinued items, we will come and pick those items up. All you need to do is call our Crystal River ReStore at 352-564-2300 and we will send a truck with a crew to save you time.

Thank you for your support over the past 30 years and for your continued support for the next 30 years.

Let’s Build!

George Rusaw is the CEO/President of Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County.