Habitat for Humanity of Key West & Lower Florida Keys receives $5,000 grant from Old Island Restoration Foundation

 
 

Habitat vols work on Lenore Tyler's house

Habitat for Humanity of Key West & Lower Florida Keys received a $ 5,000 grant from Old Island Restoration Foundation for the repairs on the old town home of Lenora Tyler.  “Old Island is dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West.  OIRF’s grant program, funded in part by our House Tours, is designed to help residents like Mrs. Tyler.  Her house is a typical conch cottage built in the early 1920’s and we are very pleased to help repair and preserve Mrs. Tyler’s home,” explained Kelly Friend, OIRF’s Board President.

719 Eliz OIRF Check Presentation 4“Our missions are symbiotic and it’s great when local nonprofits are able to leverage their resources for the benefit of our community.  This is actually the fourth grant Habitat has received from OIRF on behalf of elderly homeowners,” said Mark Moss, Habitat’s Executive Director.  “We view our work as successful when it transforms lives and promotes positive and lasting social, economic and spiritual change within a community; when it is based on mutual trust and fully shared accomplishment; and when it demonstrates responsible stewardship of all resources entrusted to us.”

Habitat’s repair program makes repairs on houses owned by elder, income-qualified homeowners who struggle with exterior maintenance.  These repairs revitalize the appearance of the neighborhood, encourage connections within the community and preserve the existing affordable housing.  Lenora Tyler’s house received a new roof, repairs to the siding and trim and a complete exterior paint job.

Leonora Tyler and Kelly Friend, both Conchs, agreed that Key West can be a very loving community.  “I am so grateful to Habitat and all these local people and organizations that are helping to fix my house. My son Shoulton and our neighbor Daniel Brown made wonderful lunches for all the young volunteers that worked so hard this past month.  Now, look at my house; isn’t it beautiful?”

Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people around the world construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. There are 35 Habitat homeowners in the Lower Keys alone.  Habitat has renovated and currently manages 24 affordable rental units in Key West and Stock Island.  As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission.

To learn more, donate or volunteer visit HabitatLowerKeys.org, facebook.comHabitatForHumanityKeyWest or Habitat’s administrative office in Key West (305)294-9006.  To contact the Habitat ReStore in Big Pine Key about shopping or donating call (305) 872-2883.  To contact Old Island Restoration Foundation visit OIRF.org or call 305-294-9501.