Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 450th Affordable Home for Grandmother Raising Grandson

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County celebrated a meaningful milestone in affordable homeownership with a home dedication ceremony honoring Carla Hamilton, a devoted grandmother, and her grandson, whom she is raising. The event marked the culmination of hard work, partnership, and community support, and included a heartfelt surprise for the family.

After relocating from Ohio to Palm Beach County in 2022, Carla dreamed of creating a safe, stable home where she could raise her grandson and build a brighter future. She took an important step toward achieving that dream when she applied for Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program. Through the program, Carla completed more than 300 partnership hours alongside volunteers in preparation to purchase her home with an affordable, interest-free mortgage, finally turning her dream into reality.

The ceremony brought together volunteers, supporters, and partners to recognize the power of affordable housing and the collective effort that made this home possible. Sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities, the home was also built in partnership with Habitat's record-breaking Women Build 2026 campaign. Publix associates participated in a July 2026 home build and joined the dedication ceremony to welcome the Hamilton family home and support Habitat for Humanity's mission of expanding access to affordable homeownership. Associates also provided Carla and her grandson with a Publix gift card, ensuring they can make memories over shared meals in their new space.

"A home provides more than four walls and a roof. It creates a foundation for stability, opportunity and lasting memories," said John Doran, Executive Director of Publix Charities. "We are honored to support Habitat for Humanity and celebrate this milestone with Carla and her grandson as they begin this new chapter."

In a heartwarming surprise, Habitat home partner, iTHINK Financial, presented the family with their new home fully furnished and thoughtfully prepared to welcome them as they begin this exciting new chapter.

“iTHINK Financial was proud to provide and donate all of the furniture and household items for the family’s new Habitat for Humanity home,” said Stephen Johnson AVP of Administration and Marketing for iTHINK Financial.

Volunteers transformed the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home into a warm and welcoming space, thoughtfully decorating each room to reflect the family’s interests and preferences. Special touches included a bright floral theme in the master bedroom, a superhero and Hot Wheels-themed room for the grandson, and a bunk bed requested by the homeowner.

“More than furnishing a house, our goal was to help create a place the family could truly call home,” Johnson added.

The Hamilton home was made possible through the generous support of Publix Super Markets Charities, the home's lead sponsor; the Urban League of Palm Beach County and the City of West Palm Beach, which partnered as land donors and home partners; iTHINK Financial’s iTHINK Community Foundation, which furnished the home; Carrier; Moraca Builders; and the dedicated volunteers, sponsors and supporters who participated in Habitat's record-breaking Women Build 2026 campaign.

“Watching Carla and her grandson walk through the front door of their home today reminds us why Habitat’s mission matters,” said Jennifer Thomason, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. “Carla has worked tirelessly to create a better future for her grandson, and today our community had the privilege of helping make that dream a reality.”

The dedication also marked a historic moment for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County with the completion of its 450th affordable home. The milestone comes as the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary, commemorating four decades of partnering with local families to expand access to affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods throughout Palm Beach County.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER PALM BEACH COUNTY:

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County is a 501 © (3) organization and an affiliate of a global nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity International, serving Palm Beach County. Families and individuals needing safe and affordable housing partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

For more information, visit www.habitatgreaterpbc.org. For any inquiries, contact Samantha Cassino, Director of Marketing and Communications, at samantha.cassino@habitatgreaterpbc.org