Habitat for Humanity Orlando recently presented four local families with keys to their new two-story, energy-efficient townhomes. The dedication ceremony marked the completion of the fourth building in Stag Horn Villas, located in Pine Hills and was made possible by building sponsor HD Supply and home sponsor EXIT Realty.
“Without the generosity shown by our sponsors and its employees, these families may not have realized their dream of homeownership,” said Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Orlando. “HD Supply and EXIT Realty’s commitment to helping neighbors in the community sets a remarkable example for the rest of Central Florida.”
EXIT Realty sponsored one home at Stag Horn Villas; to support the donation, employees from both the local and national headquarters volunteered their time. HD Supply, a wholesale distribution company, sponsored the building, as well as three of the individual townhomes. In addition, HD employees volunteered hundreds of hours and worked on all four completed buildings.
“The HD Supply team is proud to be involved in Habitat’s first multi-family project. The best part of the process was handing over the keys to these hardworking and deserving people,” said Jody Fales, Habitat Orlando board member and director of IT sourcing and PMO for HD Supply.
Prior to the dedication ceremony, all families completed more than 300 hours of “sweat equity” and finished a 40 hour homeownership course.
“I’ve dreamed of being a homeowner my whole life,” said Shaniqua Jacobs, a new Habitat homeowner. “I’m excited and overwhelmed – I think it’s just starting to hit me – this is my home.”
Stag Horn Villas is Habitat Orlando’s largest homebuilding effort, estimated to cost $8 million and the organization’s first multi-family development to date. Once complete, the 3.9-acre community will provide affordable homes for 58 local families. Located near Silver Star Road, the development will feature 10 buildings, each of which includes four to eight townhomes surrounded by green spaces and play areas. Construction at Stag Horn Villas is slated for completion in spring 2012.
