Post-Ian, State Farm Helps Build Back with Habitat
Naples, FL (October 27, 2022) State Farm is making big investments in the state of Florida as part of their response to the impacts of Hurricane Ian. In the days following the storm, the Insurance provider pledged $1 million in donations to support relief and recovery in the areas most impacted, including Florida and the Carolinas. Today, they announced that Habitat for Humanity of Collier County would receive a grant of $125,000 to support the construction of more hurricane-ready affordable homes.
When natural disasters strike, those who are already struggling are often the most vulnerable. Habitat’s model seeks to provide well-built and affordable homeownership opportunities as an alternative to substandard housing that many area workers are relegated to as the only options in their budget.
“While immediate relief is absolutely vital in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, long-term solutions are another key part of preparing and protecting our community from future storms,” says Habitat Collier CEO Rev. Lisa Lefkow. “Habitat homes in Collier County have been tested by two major hurricanes in the last five years and survived with minimal impacts—State Farm’s donation will help us make it possible for more families in need to have that same peace of mind.”
Lefkow says Habitat homes are built to code with hurricane ties and straps and appropriate grading and elevations—the latter of which kept several homes dry while neighbors on the same street were flooded. Each home comes equipped with a set of metal storm panels and partner families receive education about storm prep in required pre-purchase courses.
“State Farm is pleased to support Habitat for Humanity of Collier County efforts to help our communities impacted by Hurricane Ian”, said Apsara Sorensen, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Director. “Part of our mission is to help people recover from the unexpected. We hope this grant goes a long way in helping our community recover from the hurricane.”
The gift will fund the cost of foundations for ten new homes to be built in the nonprofit’s latest subdivision in Naples, Whitaker Woods. In addition to the $125,000 award to Habitat Collier, State Farm has designated another $125,000 to support the work of neighboring Habitat for Humanity of Lee & Hendry Counties.
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 nearly 2,500 homes in Naples and Immokalee. For more information, visit HabitatCollier.org.