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Habitat for Humanity
I
n 1976 Millard and Linda Fuller founded
Habitat for Humanity International with
the vision of a world where everyone
has a decent place to live, and it has
changed the lives of over 800,000 families
since. Wilhelmina McNamara founded
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity (PHFH)
in 1981 and their first home was completed
in 1984. PHFH is most recognized for its
affordable homeownership program, through
which the organization constructs high
quality homes that families purchase with
zero interest mortgages. “The goal of the
program is not simply to enable families to
purchase affordable homes, but also to help
families build wealth through their investment,
and move into a lifestyle of successful
homeownership,” described Communications
Director, Nancy Wolfe. Nancy grew up in a
family that put home first, and one that had
great respect for the work that Habitat for
Humanity does. “I was fortunate to secure a
position doing what I like to do most – grant
writing and fundraising for and helping
to promote the work we do here – for an
organization I believe in very deeply,” she said.
PHFH’s mission statement is “Seeking
to put God’s love into action, Pensacola
Habitat for Humanity brings people together
to build homes, community and hope.”
Habitat for Humanity is about so much more
than home building, they also take pride in
community building in which they serve
and involve the community in diverse ways.
Their Neighborhood Revitalization program
is a great example; helping neighborhoods
organize to set goals, develop plans, and make
improvements to their communities. “Through
Pensacola Habitat’s NR efforts, neighbors
become empowered to bring issues impacting
their neighborhoods to the forefront with
elected officials,” said Nancy.
PHFH staff provides outreach services to
potential homeowners, constructs the homes,
holds applicant meetings and processes
applications to purchase a home. The staff
also offers assistance in resolving credit issues
and providing financial fitness along with
other classes to prepare new homeowners
for the responsibility of a mortgage and
homeownership. Individuals working toward
homeownership are scheduled to contribute
200 hours of volunteer and class time. Nancy
commented, “Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
offers a hand up, not a hand out. Our
beautifully designed, energy efficient homes
are purchased by families who share the dream
of successful homeownership.”
story by
C
ourtney Murray
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photos provided by
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
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2/22/17 8:36 AM