Habitat for Humanity truly helps families

Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys is proud to build homes for families in need.

Recently, three families closed on their new homes in Cudjoe Key.

Hannah Edwards, the Community Outreach Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the good news.

Edwards said, “We’re so happy for them. They worked really hard on their homes for the last six months or so.”

With friends, family members and volunteers, the homeowners put in 350 split hours of equity on each home.

The Moss Landing development in Cudjoe Key has been planned for the last few years. Eight families currently live there and now these three will make a nice addition.

Moss Landing is being developed about four families at a time. 

Habitat for Humanity is working on qualifying the next families.

Edwards explained, “When a family buys a home from Habitat, they qualify in a few different ways. They have to demonstrate their need for affordable housing and they have to show that they have the ability to make the mortgage payments and then they have to be willing to partner with Habitat and put in that split equity, those 350 hours of work on their homes and their neighbor’s homes.”

Habitat for Humanity is looking to get these developments done before the number of building permits in the Keys run out.

The Habitat Warehouse on Rockland Key is another source of revenue for the organization. Gently used furniture, appliances, buildings supplies and decor is sold.

A big sale is held on the first Saturday of each month. Hours are Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Edwards said, “Our prices are really reasonable and the pieces are really quality because we’re kind of picky about what we accept because our space is limited there.”

For anyone who would like to donate to the Warehouse, check out the page on the Habitat website at habitatlowerkeys.org or call 305-294-9006, extension 4.

Another program through Habitat is Neighbors Helping Neighbors. It’s funded in part by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. It helps families with home repairs.

Because it’s been so hot out, a portion of the program has been set aside to replace window air conditioning units for Lower Keys residents in need.

Renters can apply as well.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity or to volunteer, call 305-294-9006.