CONTACT:
Robyn Harper, Habitat for Humanity of Broward, (954) 396-3030, ext. 228, robyn@habitatbroward.org
Trena Brae, Bitner Group, (954) 714-7893, trena@bitnergroup.com
Habitat Broward Ranked Among Top Habitat for Humanity Affiliates
FORT LAUDERDALE (November 6, 2019) – Habitat Broward is ranked in the top three percent of all of Habitat for Humanity’s 1,200 U.S. affiliates for the first time in its history.
This year, Habitat Broward earned its place among the top 40 largest Habitat home producers in the nation. The recognition comes following three years of rapid growth in which it has tripled the number of homes it builds each year.
Additionally, Stacker listed Habitat Broward one of the 50 top-rated charities working with communities across America, based on the nonprofit being awarded four out of four stars by Charity Navigator.
“Being a nonprofit is not contrary to being an aggressive growth business, and exercising the same rigorous disciplines needed to scale up,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO & Executive Director. “In fact, it is a moral and economic necessity for nonprofits if they are to provide the highest return possible on every dollar invested. How else can we expect to serve more families — to increase our impact?”
Habitat Broward makes homeownership affordable through zero-interest mortgages and down payment assistance.
“Why homeownership? Affordable homeownership is about economic empowerment,” said Robin. “There’s overwhelming evidence that homeownership acts like an inoculation against generational poverty, poor health, low graduation rates, and a lack of civic engagement.”
“Homeownership is also the cornerstone of engaged and vital communities. Homeowners are much more likely to belong to parent-teacher organizations, 28 percent more likely to vote; and these residents live in their community four-times as long as renters.”
The positive impact of affordable housing is something Habitat Broward has had to publicize in communities where it is building.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there suggesting that affordable housing can have negative impacts on a community and lower home prices,” said Marcia Barry-Smith, Habitat Broward’s Director of Advocacy and Community Outreach. “In fact, it strengthens a community when you have people who can afford to live there, who own their homes, and who contribute to the economy as healthy consumers.”
Robin has tasked her team with community education because she is adamant South Florida needs to tackle affordable housing on multiple fronts.
“Habitat homes are never given away,” said Robin. “The working families we partner with have to qualify for a mortgage loan. They provide a down payment, put in sweat equity, attend a year of education and truly, truly, work hard toward the dream of home ownership.”
Robin is also quick to point out that the affiliates successful growth comes out of three decades of hard work by Habitat Broward’s board and staff leadership.
“To paraphrase Steve Jobs, overnight success takes a long time,” said Robin.
About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to low to very low-income families who are unable to qualify for conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives. Key initiatives include empowering partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching the youth of future homeowner families the skills and attitudes needed to make better life choices and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty; increasing awareness and educating the community regarding issues related to the affordable housing crisis and what they can do to help; pursuing green building certification for Habitat Broward homes in order to make our design more sustainable and eco-friendly; as well as revitalizing and strengthening the community by building affordable homes throughout Broward County. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit our website at www.habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
