Local chapter building seven homes
By Kyle LoJacono
The 81 homes dedicated by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco helped the national organization reach a milestone in 2010, and the local group has more planned for 2011.
Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 400,000th house last December. The East & Central Pasco chapter is currently building seven houses for needy families in Land O’ Lakes, Zephyrhills, Dade City and Lacoochee. The latest started Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. when Gail Emmanuel saw the groundbreaking of her future home in Zephyrhills.
“I can’t believe it,” Emmanuel said at the dedication. “To think people are helping us get a house. It’s overwhelming.”
Along with the 400,000 homes dedicated worldwide during the last 35 years, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 2 million receive better housing.
“We are happy to have helped Habitat for Humanity reach this important milestone in bettering communities across the country,” said Stephanie Black, director of family services with the East & Central Pasco chapter. “With continued support of our sponsors and volunteers, we’ll address affordable housing needs in east and central Pasco County.”
The East & Central Pasco chapter was formed last year when the separate units in central and east Pasco merged to pool resources and build more houses. Two homes were dedicated in 2010, one in Zephyrhills and the other in Dade City.
Last year, Habitat for Humanity dedicated nearly 80,000 homes by repairing, rehabilitating or building new ones. The organization has set a goal to get that number to 100,000 families helped globally each year by 2013.
“We are pleased that even in this difficult economy, Habitat for Humanity has been able to help a record number of families around the world have a better place to live,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Our affiliates are the backbone of Habitat’s efforts. Their hard work and dedication have made this milestone possible. We are grateful for the work of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco.”
Generally, Habitat homes in east and central Pasco cost $97,000, which includes the land. They are usually 1,150 square feet and include three bedrooms and one bathroom. Black said they are affordable to low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale of the house and no interest charged on the mortgage, which are financed for 30 years.
The East & Central Pasco chapter has fundraising events throughout the area and receives money from churches, business, organizations and individuals along with support from local government. It also raises money through sales at its ReStores.
Anyone interested in donating time or money to the effort can do so by calling the East & Central Pasco chapter at (352) 567-1444 or visiting www.habitatpasco.org.
