TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Habitat Needs Money To Keep Building

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: April 1, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - For 16 years, Habitat for Humanity has built homes for low-income families in Hernando County.

But the shovels and hammers may soon be set aside. Like other companies and service organizations, the nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization has fallen victim to the economy. Donations, which are Habitat's sole source of income, have dropped off in Hernando County.

And unless those donations start pouring in, future home building in this county will be on hold, said Sarah Duncan, who is on Habitat's board of directors.

Duncan said there is enough money to finish the current two homes under construction off Boca Raton Street, off California Street. There's also enough to start a third home near there but not enough to finish it.

Duncan said Habitat needs about $3,500 a week to meet overhead and other expenses, which includes its three paid staffers and thrift store in Brooksville.

Each home costs about $82,000 to build, she said.

Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. The homes are sold to low-income applicants at no profit and no interest charged.

Their mortgage payments go into a revolving fund for Habitat that is used to build more houses.
Partner families invest hundreds of hours of labor - "sweat equity" - into building the homes.

Cliff Fouts, executive director for Habitat for Humanity in Hernando County, said sales at their thrift store are the only thing keeping them afloat right now.

The store is located at 19450 Cortez Blvd., in the Brooksville Square shopping center.

The local affiliate receives no government funding and no additional funds from Habitat for Humanity International.

Fouts said Habitat's departure would be a loss for Hernando County.

"It costs $82,000 to build a house, but it's a lifetime for a low-income family," Fouts said.

Habitat for Humanity will hold a budget and finance committee meeting Saturday to discuss the situation, Duncan said.

Meanwhile, to make donations or for more information, call 754-1159 or visit: www.habitathernando.org.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT