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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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