Habitat gears up for milestone moment

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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.”