PENSACOLA, Fla. – Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s President and CEO Sam Young was recognized as the 2024 Community Leader of the Year by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce.

This prestigious honor is awarded to a non-business person or volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the community in the form of a special project or service or a series of projects or services. Young exemplifies the spirit and mission of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, dedicating his time and passion to helping the community thrive and grow into a safer, more sustainable place to live.

“I’m extremely honored and touched to be the recipient of such a distinguished award from the community we serve. While it is personally very touching, this award is more of a reflection of the work our whole organization is doing to create essential opportunities for affordable homeownership,” Young said. “It is critical that we all continue to work together towards building a stronger, sustainable community, and I’m reenergized to continue building on our successes to continue the rapid and exciting growth we’re seeing every day.”

Under Young’s leadership, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has grown to become the ninth-highest producing Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the nation, with 50 homes completed in Fiscal Year 2024. Young has spearheaded the creation and growth of the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, which will create further opportunities for low-income households to attain the stability and security of homeownership. Additionally, the affiliate’s Community Development Program and HUD Housing Counseling offerings have risen to new heights since Young joined the mission in 2020.

To learn more about Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and its work in our community, visit www.pensacolahabitat.org.

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