subject: Florida Habitat For Humanity Is Busier Than Ever [print this page] It is no big secret to the Florida Habitat for Humanity that foreclosures are at an all time high and there are more people than ever struggling to maintain healthy homes for their families. The number of homes lost due to foreclosure for last year are devastating- it was reported that losses to foreclosures range as high as one million homes, and through the 12 months of the year, there were an incredible two million families facing foreclosure proceedings. In 2009, as we all know, it was even worse.
Florida Habitat for Humanity is shining brightly in the current fog of foreclosures though, still delivering a good example and a ray of hope even in the terrible current economic state we are in. The kindness of strangers does still exist, and hard work and community effort still reign supreme. In 2008, Habitat for Humanity helped more than 50,000 families across the country gain safe, affordable housing. Homes are built for the families, but it is not free to those families- they must still pay the loan for the home (although it is a non-interest loan), and they are required to be right there to help build their new house.
So what can you do to help? There are several ways you can help these families. Some people prefer to donate cash to the organization. Others prefer to donate items such as tools, food and drink for the volunteer workers and builders, and many devote hours of their time and effort to the cause. Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in poverty all over the world, including: Canada, the US, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and Europe. Recipients represent a wide array of ethnicities, religions, and family structures.
Florida Habitat for Humanity homes are built by volunteers together with the families for whom they are being built. Much of the materials that are used for the homes are donated by community businesses as well as national and international big box stores. Families are chosen for the program according to their level of need, their ability to repay a no-interest loan, and their willingness to participate in the program. The family members work hundreds of hours on their home, as well as friends and coworkers. With so many families being displaced because of foreclosure and the economy, Florida Habitat for Humanity is facing more applicants than ever before, which means that they need volunteers just like you more than ever!
