PENSACOLA, Fla. - Pensacola Habitat for Humanity (PHFH) ends the fiscal year making a major dent in the local affordable housing crisis, but much work remains to be done. The Pensacola affiliate is one of the largest in the country based on community impact, and this year they are proud to have built 41 new homes, creating 41 new homeowners through their Home Buyer Program. The affiliate also served 35 vulnerable homeowners by completing Critical Home Repairs, Home Rehabilitation, and Neighborhood Revitalization projects throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Its resale store, Pensacola Habitat ReStore, broke records contributing over $290,000 back to the organization's mission. 

"The past 12 months have been an incredible period of growth and productivity for our organization, allowing more families to achieve their dream of homeownership," said Sam Young, Pensacola Habitat President and CEO. "We continue to adapt our business model, secure required resources and grow our partnerships with key stakeholders to better serve the deserving families of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties."

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is scheduled to close at least 10 more homes in July, despite supply chain issues and skyrocketing construction and land costs. Typical construction costs have increased by over 20 percent over the last year, taking a build from $130,000 to approximately $160,000. These increases make community support through donations and fundraising events even more important. PHFH is committed to serving Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents and supporting its programs to yield stable homes, happy and healthy children, and the genesis for generational wealth.

"We will continue to respond to this pressing community need, and as it grows, so will we," Young said. "We have had a real impact because of our partnerships and the people who believe in our mission as they continue to lend us their time, treasure, and talent."

As Pensacola Habitat prepares to meet its aggressive goals for FY 2023, there are many ways for the community to help. Donations are critical to ensure that Pensacola Habitat for Humanity's programs and services can continue to assist new and existing homeowners in its service area. As the organization's backbone, volunteers are essential to help build homes and support ReStore operations and fundraising events. Shopping at the ReStore is a great way to acquire premium new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials and more. Every cent of profit from the ReStore directly benefits Pensacola Habitat's mission.

Pensacola Habitat has set ambitious but attainable goals for FY 2023, including 45 new homes and 80 Community Development projects and has its sights set on opening a second ReStore location.

Additional goals include expanding existing services such as HUD Housing Counseling and post-purchase homeowner engagement. Additionally, Pensacola Habitat will be actively constructing more homes for the community through the continued growth of the Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation. Pensacola Habitat will need the continued support of its community to help individuals and families achieve their dreams of affordable homeownership.

To learn more about Pensacola Habitat for Humanity's mission and how to make a difference in your community, visit pensacolahabitat.org/donate.

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