Helping Build Affordable and Safer Homes in Central Florida

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County received a $5,000 grant from State Farm to help Central Floridians have safe homes that are built to get through this and future hurricane seasons. This grant will aid Habitat Orlando & Osceola in its mission to empower local communities through building affordable housing and hope.

“The affordable housing crisis became that much more evident after last year’s hurricane season, so being able to help our community is an invaluable experience for all of us,” says State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst Jose Soto. “As hurricane season continues, we encourage other organizations to confront Central Florida’s housing crisis and support Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County.”

The State Farm grant will support the distribution of smoke alarms and hurricane resilient roofing materials to minimize risks associated with natural disasters while promoting safety in vulnerable communities.

“Homeownership will be everything for my family, finally having stability, a place where we can call home and grow as a family and not have to stress anymore about rent renewal,” says future Habitat Orlando & Osceola homebuyer, Jennifer Franqui, who moved with family to Orlando from Puerto Rico for a better life after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.

This program launches as the nonprofit unveils a comprehensive plan to Face The Housing Crisis™ with its Cornerstone Housing™ Framework. The Framework aims to restore balance in the housing market by addressing key challenges, including the need for adequate housing supply, sustainable demand from buyers and an evolved social service model for a rapid and coordinated response.

“We could not have done this work without the trust and generosity of local businesses like State Farm alongside its agents and staff,” says Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President and CEO Catherine Steck McManus. “Helping members of our Central Florida community stay in affordable homes is one of the ways Habitat Orlando & Osceola continues to challenge the housing crisis.”

For more information regarding how Habitat Orlando & Osceola continues to Face the Housing Crisis, click here.

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County: Driven by a vision that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County builds and repairs homes and strengthens communities. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat Orlando & Osceola to build or improve places to call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Working together by donating, volunteering or becoming an advocate, everyone can help members of our community live in safe, affordable homes. Founded in 1986, Habitat Orlando & Osceola is one of Habitat for Humanity International’s over 1,100 affiliates working in communities throughout the United States and in more than 70 countries. To learn more, visit HabitatOrlandoOsceola.org.