Melissa Donovan
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is kicking off the holiday season in a big way with the groundbreaking of its first-ever affordable home in Kissimmee, as part of the nonprofit’s annual “Home for the Holidays” build. On Nov. 8, Habitat for Humanity partnered with Williams Company, a well-established local construction firm, to begin building not one, but two homes in just a few weeks, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to provide safe, affordable housing to local families.
Breaking Ground in Kissimmee: A Community Effort
The groundbreaking ceremony happened on Friday, Nov. 8, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.. Habitat for Humanity’s future homeowners, Gloria and Francisco, were in attendance as they began their journey toward homeownership. Their new home will be constructed on a lot that will soon transform into a warm, affordable space for their family. The first step in this transformation will be the pouring of the foundation, a moment that symbolizes not just the beginning of construction, but also a bright future for the family.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Williams Company and its dedicated subcontractors and vendors will donate their expertise, labor, and materials to Habitat for Humanity’s “Home for the Holidays” build. This year’s project is especially exciting as Williams Company is doubling its impact by constructing two homes—one in Kissimmee and another in Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood for local Stephanie, her son, and granddaughter.
“We understand the wicked problem of affordable housing and the need to provide our services to both Orange and Osceola counties,” Matt Olberding Williams Company Vice President of Operations said. “We are proud to be a part of Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s mission for the last five years and exemplify the essence of people coming together to support one another, especially during the holidays.”
Key Dates for Habitat’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ Build
- November 8, 2024: Groundbreaking ceremony for the first Habitat home in Kissimmee.
- December 2, 2024: Kickoff ceremony in Orlando.
- December 13, 2024: Dual home dedications in Kissimmee and Orlando—be sure to tune into Habitat for Humanity’s Facebook page to watch the ceremonies live!
A Bright Future for Kissimmee and Osceola County Families
This year’s “Home for the Holidays” initiative celebrates not only the joy of the season but also the power of community partnerships that enable Habitat for Humanity to build homes, hope, and futures. As the organization breaks ground on its first-ever Habitat home in Osceola County, it continues to expand its impact and reach, ensuring that more families like Gloria and Francisco will have a place to call home in the coming months.
“Breaking ground for the first time in Kissimmee is another step toward our goal of making safe, affordable housing more accessible in our community,” Catherine Steck McManus, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President & CEO said. “We are extremely grateful to the City of Kissimmee and Williams Company for their continued commitment to helping us Face The Housing Crisis.”
For more information on Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County and ways to get involved, visit their official website or follow their social media channels to stay updated on the progress of the “Home for the Holidays” build.
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