Dear Habitat Friend and Neighbor,

The hard hits from the economic shocks of Covid-19 are still rippling through our community, affecting every household, every place of business, and every life-changing organization striving for a better future. Low-income families have been impacted the most, struggling with unaffordable rent, unsafe living conditions, and the uncertainty of gaining stability through what feels like a never-ending obstacle circuit. In challenging times like these, it is easy to lose hope.

Since 1992, for nearly 30 years, supporters of Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County made it possible for us to build 155 safe, decent, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for hardworking, motivated families in our communities of North Port, Venice, Englewood, Laurel, Nokomis, and Osprey. We are building strength, stability, and self-reliance for families in your community. We are building HOPE!

Those who become homeowners through our program come from all walks of life and consist of families, individuals, veterans, and seniors -- all striving to get on a path to self-sufficiency through homeownership and reduce their dependence on the community, social, and financial services. These are substantial benefits for those individuals and remarkably positive changes for future generations. We empower homeowners with knowledge, help families build bright futures, and help to end the poverty cycle.

Once accepted into our program, Habitat South Sarasota partner families put in major work to earn their ultimate dream: they work side by side with community volunteers for a required 300 "sweat equity" hours to help build safe, decent affordable houses; they must also attend 8 two-and-a-half hour homeowner classes and 1 eight-hour HUD certified "First Time Homebuyer Workshop"; our partner individuals remain employed; they save up money for a down payment and they stay on top of their mortgage payments.

It is easy to see that we provide a hand up, not a handout. Today, 12 motivated South Sarasota County families are enrolled in our program, working side by side with our staff and volunteers, helping to not only build their own future homes but homes for other future partner families too. The need for safe, affordable housing has never been greater, and making a lasting local impact has never been easier.

Will you please help us build a world where everyone has a decent place to live?

Right now, you have a chance to DOUBLE THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT, thanks to The Louis & Gloria Flanzer Matching Gift Program! All gifts $5-$500 will be matched once per month per household through the end of December. To double your gift, please donate online at www.FlanzerTrust.org and select Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County as the recipient of your gift from the drop down menu. If you wish to double your gift by check, please mail your check made out to: The Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, 1843 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239, and note "Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota" in the memo line.

As we reflect on yet another challenging year behind us, we feel immensely grateful for all those who helped us move forward through every obstacle, every cost increase, and every supply and labor shortage. There are many local hardworking families who urgently need our help, but we need YOU. Please consider making a gift today as your generosity has a profound impact on our community as a whole.

Thank you for your compassion and consideration. We wish you and your family a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.

With love and gratitude,
Your Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County family.

P.S. Do you know a deserving, motivated family or individual who could benefit from our homeownership program? Please contact Abigail at adrumgool@habitatsouthsarasota.org for more information.

About Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County

Since 1992, Habitat South Sarasota’s goal has been to build or renovate safe, decent, affordable, energy efficient homes for those in need in south Sarasota County, FL. Habitat educates our homeowners so that they may succeed in home-ownership and pass their newly acquired knowledge onto the next generation.

Our Mission

Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, Inc. is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operating on Christian principles that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Our Vision

Focus on shelter.
Advocate for affordable housing.
Promote dignity and hope.
Support sustainable & transformational development.

To learn more about us and ways to get involved, please visit us online at www.habitatsouthsarasota.org.

A copy of the official registration and financial information for Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, Inc. (Registration no. Ch2541232), may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Build HOPE with a MATCHED gift today - Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County

By Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County

Build HOPE with a MATCHED gift today - Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County