The resounding spirit of collaboration and the rhythmic beat of hammers defined Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County’s Women Build 2025, a powerful two-day event that showcased an inspiring display of unity and skill.

The event kicked off on Saturday, April 26th, with 40 dedicated women volunteers pouring their energy into building brighter futures, collectively contributing over 160 hours of invaluable labor across four distinct home build sites. These remarkable women, a mix of community leaders, civic champions, and everyday individuals, tackled crucial construction tasks with enthusiasm and precision. From the foundational installation of sturdy ox board to the meticulous application of durable vinyl siding, and the completion of other essential steps on stick-frame houses, their combined efforts laid a tangible foundation for safe, stable, and affordable housing for Citrus County families. The focus extended beyond construction, fostering an atmosphere of empowerment and camaraderie as women supported women in a collective mission to empower local families on their journey to homeownership.

Building on the strong momentum of the first day, Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC) had another successful Women Build on Saturday, May 3rd, with an additional 23 volunteers contributing 90 hours of sweat equity toward the completion of four future Habitat homes.

Justin Leech, Chief Operating Officer for HFHCC, echoed the sentiment, “The energy and commitment we witnessed over both Saturdays were truly remarkable. These incredible women came together with a shared purpose, not just to build houses, but to build hope and opportunity within our community. Their hard work and dedication are a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.”

The resounding theme of this year’s build, “We Nailed It!”, has proven to be more than just a spirited slogan – it’s a tangible reality brought to life through the sweat, skill, and unwavering dedication of these inspiring women.

Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County extends its deepest gratitude to all the women who generously volunteered their time and talent, as well as the sponsors and supporters who made this impactful event possible. Their collective efforts are not just constructing houses; they are building stronger, more resilient families and a more vibrant Citrus County for all.

Women Build was sponsored by Wells Business Solutions. Meals for Saturday, April 26, were provided by Wawa, while meals for the Saturday, May 3, event were provided by Habitat ReStore employees and volunteers.

The organization encourages the community to stay informed about future Women Build events and other volunteer opportunities by visiting their website at www.habitatcc.org and following their Facebook page Citrus County Habitat for Humanity.

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.

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