Habitat for Humanity completed its first Osceola County build, presenting the keys to a new home in Kissimmee to a family of five last week, a week before Christmas.
The house was only begun in November under an ambitious building schedule as part of Habitat’s annual “Home for the Holidays” project.
“Building our first Habitat home here in the City of Kissimmee really is our first commitment to drive community projects though education and pioneering community housing solutions,” said Catherine McManus, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola Chapter. “So we are very excited to celebrate what we hope is the first of many homes here in the City of Kissimmee and Osceola County.”
Habitat officials say the home will be purchased by Gloria and Francisco, who have three young children.
“Gloria and Francisco, [the homeowners] this is all about you and your beautiful family today, and we’re thrilled to welcome you to this community of Habitat homeowners,” McManus continued. “It’s not an easy process, we know that very well. You had to make it through a comprehensive screening, attend nearly a dozen classes on homeownership, and focus on budgeting, saving, paying off debt–and you really balanced that so beautifully, while honoring your professional and family responsibilities. Your hard work and dedication will culminate today as we dedicate your brand new, affordable home to you. We’re very proud to have walked along this journey with you.”
“Today we get to see the culmination of all the hard work, the dedication, we get to see the long journey and dream of becoming a homeowner come to reality,” said Matt Olberding, Vice President of the Williams Company, the general contractor overseeing the project. “We get to see Gloria and her family walk through their house for the very first time. Just a month ago we were standing here—we had a pile of dirt, and we were talking about how great it was to have this big group of people, this team that wanted to come together and help the community, that wanted to help others.”
“Today we celebrate not just a new house, but the generosity, hard work and hope that made this a reality,” said Gloria, on behalf of her family. “This home will be a place of love, laughter and cherished memories to our families. Being able to own a brand-new home with an affordable mortgage will make a world of difference for our family. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for changing our lives.”
Founded in 1986, Habitat Orlando and Osceola has built or repaired over 900 homes throughout Central Florida for homeowners that otherwise might not be able to afford home ownership. Habitat already has plans to build two more homes on the same Kissimmee street beginning in February. For more information, either to volunteer or to receive services from Habitat for Humanity, go to HabitatOrlando.org.
