State Farm awards a $20,000 Disaster Preparedness Youth-led grant

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County received a $20,000 youth-led disaster preparedness grant from State Farm to help better prepare Central Floridians for the upcoming hurricane season. As part of the grant, local State Farm agents and Valencia College students distributed five-gallon buckets filled with household disaster response supplies on Thursday, Feb. 23.

“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,” Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “As we prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, we encourage other organizations to get involved with and support Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County.”

The disaster preparedness bucket project kicked off with a large turnout at Osceola County Housing & Community Services. Alongside the bucket distribution, volunteers also provided information on evacuation, communication and preparedness plans.

“Our heartfelt thanks to State Farm for their impactful support helping folks in our community recover from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole over the last several months,” said Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President & CEO Catherine Steck McManus. “We could not have done this work without the trust and generosity of local businesses like State Farm and its agents and staff.”

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.