A Hand Up... Not A Hand OutHabitat for Humanity of Lee County, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Lee & Hendry counties. Through the use of volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, the organization provides simple, decent housing for deserving families. Habitat homes are sold at no profit to the new homeowners, who make monthly, interest-free mortgage payments to Habitat for Humanity. Payments from these no-interest mortgages are used to build more homes, creating a perpetual legacy to the community.

HistoryHabitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia. While based on Christian beliefs, the organization welcomes homeowners, employees, and volunteers from all backgrounds. Four years later, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County joined the efforts. Today, the Lee County chapter has built more than 1000 homes and with a plan to provide another 100 this year.

ProgramTo qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home, applicants must be in need of housing, able to pay a zero-interest mortgage, and willing to partner with Habitat. In this partnership, homeowners must give 250 “sweat equity” hours (service to Habitat), attend classes to become self-sufficient homeowners and contribute $1200 toward closing costs.

HomesIt costs about $133,000 to build each home. Of that, $50,000 in cash is required to purchase building materials. Funds come in the form of tax-deductible donations from places of worship, individuals, corporations, and other organizations. Habitat for Humanity of Lee County builds in North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Pine Island, Clewiston and Labelle.

DonationsHabitat for Humanity of Lee County does not receive federal government funding or money from Habitat for Humanity International. Instead, all donations are raised on a local level from individuals, places of worship, corporations and civic organizations and Habitat thrift stores. For every donated dollar, $.95 goes directly toward construction. Donations are tax deductible.

VolunteersWhether its building homes, stuffing newsletters or fundraising, Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers to complete its mission. Volunteers must be 14 years of age. Anyone interested in participating should sign up on Habitat’s website to view current volunteer opportunities.

DonateOn every dollar donated, Habitat uses 95 cents to provide decent, affordable housing and spends only 4.6 cents on administrative costs. All of Habitat’s operations are funded from donations. Materials can also be donated to Habitat’s thrift stores to help generate revenue for more homes.

VolunteerHabitat for Humanity relies on volunteers to build and rehab homes for deserving families. But that’s not all. The organization also needs volunteers for office tasks like data entry and bulk mailing as well as in the thrift store to help price and sort items.

Apply For Homeownership or RentHabitat for Humanity serves to provide affordable homeownership for low-income to very low-income families. The organization also offers senior citizens the option of renting one of Habitat’s 60 units in a complex of affordable apartments located in North Fort Myers.

ShopHabitat has two thrift stores in the community that help generate funding for homes. Habitat’s North Fort Myers and Labelle stores are responsible for providing more than half a dozen homes each year.

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, Inc. • 1288 N. Tamiami Trail • North Fort Myers • Florida • 33903 • P: 239-652-0434 • F: 239-652-0386 • www.habitat4humanity.org

Ways To Get Involved

Learn More

A Hand-Up, Not A Hand-Out

Affordable Housing For Hardworking Families

Habitat for Humanityof Lee County, FL

1288 N. Tamiami TrailNorth Fort Myers, FL 33903

P: (239) 652-0434F: (239) 652-0386

www.habitat4humanity.org

Twice a month, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County holds a one-hour informational class on the history and facets of the housing organization. The class also includes a tour of the ten acre campus located in North Fort Myers. If you’d like to learn more, call Habitat to sign up for the class. 239-652-0434 ext:1678

“I think most of us feel we’ve gotten so much out of life that it’s time to give back and this is one of the ways we can do that. There are a lot of wonderful charities out there, but I think Habitat really does get the resources into the hands of those who need to benefit the most. You can see the work in the community and it’s really a thrilling experience,” says Pelican Landing resident Ted Smith.

“Before Habitat, our family of six lived in a RV for almost two years before God blessed us with home through Habitat; a blessing it truly is. Our house is a beautiful castle to me and my family. Sometimes I have to sit back and look around at what we’ve been blessed with to really believe it. We are finally home. Thank you Habitat so much and to your supporters also.” - Bridget Masterson, Habitat Homeowner

Thrift Store Locations & Hours1288 N. Tamiami Trail

North Fort MyersMon. - Sat.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 239.652.0388 for more information.

Office Location & Hours1288 N. Tamiami Trail

North Fort Myers

Tues. - Fri. from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 239.652.0434 for more information.