Alachua Habitat for Humanity Announces 166th Home Dedication
Press release from Alachua Habitat for Humanity
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At Alachua Habitat for Humanity, they believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. It is with this spirit that they celebrate the dedication of our 166th home built in Alachua County. The dedication will be taking place at 1716 NE 1st Avenue on Wednesday, July 27, at 9:30 a.m.
The construction of this home would not be possible without the support of their house sponsor, Chevron at Hunter’s Crossing, the 137 volunteers who worked on the home, their dedicated homeowners, and their hardworking staff. “It’s been an amazing experience being a house sponsor for Alachua Habitat and serving our community,” said Jeff Montgomery, owner of Chevron at Hunter’s Crossing. “Seeing the impact on the family firsthand–-seeing their whole life change with the opportunity to be a first-time homeowner, there’s nothing like it.”
Why is affordable homeownership important? Homeownership has many benefits that extend beyond the home, including greater economic stability, greater academic achievement, increased civil and social engagement, better physical and mental health, and a reduced environmental footprint. The work that Alachua Habitat does is especially important within our community given the lack of affordable housing in Alachua County. According to data from UF’s Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing Studies, 1 in 3 Alachua County households are cost burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Alachua Habitat addresses the housing crisis within their community by building affordable homes through the use of volunteers and funded by generous donors, grants, and principal payments from family partners. Aside from their financial contributions, Habitat homeowners complete 250 sweat equity hours working on their own house and well as the homes of other homeowners. Ultimately, the goal is to build strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter in Alachua County.