ALTAMONTE SPRINGS – Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka held three, back-to-back open house celebrations on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Leadership Point in Sanford, Florida. Leadership Point is Habitat’s newest enclave that broadens the nonprofit’s role as a home community developer. The events drew hundreds of community members and supporters from across Central Florida, including elected official and staffers from Seminole County and the City of Sanford.
The celebration marked a significant milestone to commemorate upward mobility for six families, all of whom were uncertain about their move-in date until midafternoon Wednesday when Habitat was able to deliver the good news that certificates of occupancy had been issued by the City of Sanford. Now each family, some facing homelessness if the process had not been resolved in the coming days, can focus on a permanent move that will bring stability at the start of a new school year in their forever home.
“We are all here today to celebrate the American dream of homeownership here in Central Florida,” said Penny Seater, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. “That’s because homeownership is more than just about owning a home, it’s about building a stable workforce, fostering civic responsibility, and taking pride in the hard work necessary for home ownership as our six families have each demonstrated.”
Habitat homeowners are actively engaged in building their own home and/or another homeowners’ home by investing up to 400 “sweat equity” hours, which also includes their participation in classes that encourage their financial stability. Those families then become eligible to purchase their home at a much-reduced cost.
Each of the six, Leadership Point homes is move-in ready and has been constructed using cutting-edge building techniques and energy-efficient materials to provide a long-term benefit and savings for the families so they can save more for future needs. Amenities such as energy-efficient appliances from Habitat partners like Whirlpool save water and electricity and double-pane windows, enhance insulation, reduce energy loss and cut heating and cooling costs.
