Publix Helps Make Affordable Homeownership Possible in Naples

Naples, FL (July 26, 2021) —Another family in Immokalee has a safe and decent home thanks to the help of Habitat Collier and a $45,000 grant offered by Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. to help underwrite a significant portion of construction costs. The charitable arm of the regional favorite grocer has partnered with the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity for nearly 25 years to support the construction of affordable homes in Collier County. This most recent grant brings their total investment in affordable homeownership opportunities to an impressive $1.2 million over the life of the partnership.

The home that the latest grant helped make possible was completed earlier this year and the new homeowners signed their mortgage closing documents just last month. Thanks to the support of Publix and others in the community who make gifts to support the work of Habitat, the hardworking family of three was able to move out of a cramped one-bedroom rental and into an affordable home of their own.

“After the last sixteen months, we can all see just how important a safe and decent home is for everyone,” says Habitat Collier CEO, Rev. Lisa Lefkow. “So, to have faithful partners like Publix that we know we can continue to count on— before, during and after this pandemic—is a great comfort. When they say they want to meet the needs of the people in their community, this is how they’re standing behind those words.”

This Habitat home marks the sixteenth that Publix has helped fund in Collier County.

The recent spike in the housing market has magnified the housing problem that people in Collier County have been struggling with for years. Many can’t keep up with high costs and with few options end up turning to overcrowded or unsafe rental units. Habitat Collier is the only organization in Collier County that is focused exclusively on helping low wage-earning families purchase affordable homes.

About Habitat for Humanity of Collier County

Habitat for Humanity of Collier County’s goal is to empower struggling families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat Collier is one of the oldest and most successful Habitat affiliates in the nation. For more than 40 years, they have served the needs of Collier County’s workforce, building homes in partnership with families, volunteers and donors, and then selling them with an affordable mortgage. Since 1978, Habitat Collier has built more than 2,200 homes in Naples and Immokalee. For more information, visit HabitatCollier.org.

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