July 28 – Helping people is the motto for life in the Keys and Habitat for Humanity looks to be the linchpin in making that happen.
Hannah Edwards, 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 their projects.
For those who need air conditioners, the program Neighbors Helping Neighbors, funded in part by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, can help.
The program provides lower income Keys families with home repairs. In the summer time, a portion of the program was set aside for replacing window air conditioning units for people in need.
The program is not for central AC. It’s just for window or wall units that may be broken or don’t work properly. You may be able to get it replaced with a new air conditioner through the Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Edwards said, “We just want everybody to stay safe in this heat.”
The Community Foundation is always looking for volunteers.
A new website was created for anyone interested in volunteer opportunities in the Keys. Click here for more information: https://keys.voly.org/
Edwards said, “It connects volunteers to opportunities that appeal to them. I’m excited. It’s going to be really great.”
The Habitat for Humanity staff has also decided to get together every other month or so to volunteer for other organizations.
Last week they painted the fence at the Key West Lighthouse Museum.
Edwards said, “We had a great time. It was so much fun. We’re really looking forward to partnering with more non-profits and doing more volunteering as a staff. It’s a fun thing to do together. That’s what the Keys are about. We all help each other.”
The Habitat Warehouse Store on Rockland Key at 111 Overseas Highway is actually looking for a bigger space. They sell gently used furniture, appliances, building supplies and home décor.
Edwards said, “We usually have a big sale on the first Saturday of each month.”
Regular hours are 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Edwards said, “The prices are super reasonable and the pieces are quality.”
To donate to the warehouse, check out the form at https://www.habitatlowerkeys.org/ or call 305-294-9006, ext 4.
A warehouse committee will be formed soon and Habitat is looking for people who may have retail experience or connections to commercial real estate or are just looking for an opportunity to serve.
Edwards said, “It’s going to be a fun opportunity to share your skills and it’s not going to be a huge time commitment. Also if you know of a store front, let us know about that too, because we would really like to expand.”
This Saturday Habitat for Humanity will have home dedications for three new homeowners that are moving into the Moss Landing development. The next four homes there will be completed soon.
Another property was purchased in Cudjoe with four new homes in the future.
Edwards said, “We just really appreciate the support of this community.”