Jay Gordon President

David Fetkenher Vice-President

Jeff Cardillo Secretary

Greg Griner Treasurer

Elias Mahshie Board Attorney

James Coalwell Voting Director

Peter Garcia Voting Director

Stacy Jones Voting Director

Paul Lioon Voting Director

Roger Miller Voting Director

Leslee Peth Voting Director

Will Sunter Voting Director

Steven Vito Voting Director

Rich Webb Voting Director www.charlottecountyhfh.org

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PUNTA GORDA

PERMIT NO.141

current resident or

1750 MANZANA AVENUE PUNTA GORDA FL 33950

(941) 639-3162 | FAX (941) 639-7414 WWW.CHARLOTTECOUNTYHFH.ORG

In support of our mission,

the printing of this newsletter

donated by Panther Printing

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

WILLIAM G. & MARIE SELBY FOUNDATION

thank you to our wonderful SponsorsSupport habitat and make your donation at www.charlottecountyhfh.org

1750 Manzana avenuePunta gorda, fl 33950(941) 639-3162 • fax (941) 639-7414www.charlottecountyhfh.org

Truly Nolen of America Inc. • The Patterson Foundation • Sharp Surveying Inc. • Southwest Engineering & Design, Inc. Nolan Family Insurance • J&C Drydock Marine Inc. • Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes • Acline HR

Garrod Drywall, Inc. • Think Tank Solutions • M2 Strategic Solutions, LLC • Furniture Warehouse

By Mike Mansfield, CEO

Affordable housing opportunities are

shrinking in Charlotte County. Rents continue rising and occupancy

rates for affordable rental units are over 98%. According to HUD the average rent for

a three bedroom, two bath home in Charlotte County is over $1200. Trying to find an affordable place to live is almost impossible.

For those who long for home ownership, opportunities are available at Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Families who are willing to invest 300 hours of sweat equity, make a $1000 down payment toward their escrow account, and participate in homeowner education classes can achieve the dream of home ownership through a partnership with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Upon completion of our program, homes are sold to families who are willing to partner with Habitat; they make zero interest monthly mortgage payments for 30 years. The average mortgage payment for our homeowner families is approximately $450 per month. This amount, which includes taxes and insurance, is well below the average rent in Charlotte County.

During our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity partnered with 28 families to help them achieve the dream of home ownership. An additional 13 families were assisted with painting and repairs to their homes.

We are anticipating enough resources to serve 20 families in our home ownership program and 12 painting and repair projects this fiscal year. Currently, we have 16 families partnering in our home ownership program and the demand continues to rise every month. On average we receive over 80 inquiries each month. We are dedicated to continue finding ways to help more families in our community.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Financial resources are critical to our program. We need your support to help more families in Charlotte County so they may achieve the American dream and live in safe, decent, affordable homes. Please consider partnering with Habitat by making a financial contribution so we may serve more families in need. With your help we will increase the supply to keep up with the demand!

The Habitat for Humanity program is a "hand up, not a handout". We partner with families who wish to improve their lives and help make a stronger, more vibrant community.

Thank you for your support and may God bless you and your family.

In support of our mission,

the printing of this newsletter

donated by Monarch Printing

haBItat newSflaShcharlottecountyhfh.org2 3

are you......

• retIreD and looking to satisfy your sense of purpose by serving others?

• a StuDent needing volunteer hours for graduation or working toward Bright Futures?

• a BuSIneSS looking for a non-profit partner to strengthen your staff’s team building skills?

• looKIng to connect with your community?

then we are looKIng for you!

• In our reSale stores

• on our construction sites

• In our office

• at our special events

We’d love to have you on board! Please contact Brenda Graham, Volunteer Coordinator, at 941-639-3162 or access our website www.charlottecountyhfh.org, complete a volunteer application and register for a weekly Volunteer Orientation Meeting!

Under the Lord’s watchful eye our Apostles Build 2015 project began in early January and was completed on schedule thanks to our partnership with nine local church congregations. The churches participated financially and by donating volunteer hours. Church members held fundraisers and spread the word among their congregations about this "back yard mission". Following the January 9th slab blessing and wall raising, church volunteers spent days setting trusses, framing, painting, and installing shingles and vinyl siding. The volunteers did a wonderful job raising the home from the ground up!

The following churches participated in our Apostles Build 2015 project: Boca Grande Lighthouse United Methodist Church, Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Deep Creek Community Church, Edgewater United Methodist Church, Faithlife Church, 1st United Methodist Church - Punta Gorda, Murdock Christian Church, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Boca Grande.

The new homeowner, Jacklyn Araque, a single mother of 4 year old A.J., works with autistic children and is in the process of earning her master’s degree. She stopped by the build site throughout the construction phase to give a hand and to thank the volunteers and Habitat site supervisors. Jacklyn also accepted invitations from participating churches to attend a service, meet their members and share her story.

The Project was completed by

March 23rd, and a home dedication ceremony was held on March 26th. The dedication ceremony provided a chance for individuals from the community to celebrate with Jacklyn and the participating churches on their accomplishment. Jaclyn commented, "This experience was amazing and something I will cherish and take with me forever. As I have said before, I will say again, it takes ordinary people to do extraordinary things and everyone from Habitat to Apostle Build church members are truly extraordinary people in my book."”

Our affiliate looks forward to partnering with local churches during the spring of 2016 to build another Apostles Build home. If you are interested in receiving additional information about Apostles Build, please contact Jan Nick at 941-639-3162 ext. 407 or by email at development@charlottecountyhfh.org.

aPoStleS BuIlD 2015By: Jan Nick

charlotte county haBItat for huManIty auguSt 2015

reSale StoreBy: Vickie Sheldon

everybody who’s anybody shops online these days. now you can even shop for special treasures at charlotte county habitat’s new online Store! the site is easy to access and clearly showcases each product. every order is insured and shipped direct to your door.

the listed products will be sold exclusively online. we feature many hard to find collectable and high-end items. you never know what you will discover because the inventory, from leather boots to dinner bells, is always changing. to view our current selection, visit our website at www.charlottecountyhfh.org and click on the Store tab.

we are into our summer months and making improvements to our stores located in Punta gorda, Port charlotte and englewood. thanks to a grant received from the william g. and Marie Selby foundation, we recently renovated our Punta gorda store to provide a larger, more comfortable shopping experience. Please visit any of our stores, and our friendly, outgoing staff will be glad to assist you. thank you for shopping and for helping us to continue our mission in charlotte county.

woMen BuIlD 2015By: Jessica Gordon

Amazing things can

happen when you bring groups of women

together from all walks of life! Garage sales, quarter auctions, and live

auctions took place as members of Centennial Bank, Kays Kloset, Brian Chapman State Insurance, Auction Lotto and others raised funds for Women Build 2015. Local residents and businesses joined to raise funds, build a home and change lives - not just the life of the new homeowner but the lives of every person that collaborated on the project.

Latera Hill, a Charlotte County native, military veteran and single mother of four, has faced many struggles during her life, including being homeless following Hurricane Charley. Charlotte County Habitat provided an opportunity for Latera to transform the

outcome of her family’s future. Women Build 2015 was an opportunity for donors and volunteers to become the catalyst for change in their community.

Volunteers worked at the build site from March thru May to raise trusses, build walls, paint, etc. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department personnel planted beautiful flowers and shrubs, donated by Walmart and refurbished by inmates. And personnel from Lowes Store #1732 in Port Charlotte volunteered to supplement a $5,000 Lowes donation the affiliate received through a Habitat International Women Build 2015 program.

Going forward Latera can focus on providing a stable and secure environment for her family. Thank you to everyone who helped make Women Build 2015 a success!

gIvIng challengeBy: Gabrielle Reineck

Charlotte County Habitat will be participating in the 2015 Giving Challenge, an online campaign that helps us raise funds and create program awareness, beginning on 9/1 at Noon and ending on 9/2 at Noon.

Will you help us meet our 2015 Giving Challenge goals? The first 50 non-profits to receive 50 online $50 or more donations will receive a $500 grant. The non-profit with the most new donors will receive a $10,000 grant (a new donor is anyone who did not donate online to our affiliate in the 2014 Giving Challenge). ALL "new donor"”donations up to $250 will be matched by The Patterson Foundation.

To donate, visit our website at www.charlottecountyhfh.org before 9/1 to make your pledge (pledged donations will be processed at Noon on 9/1). Donations can also be made by clicking the Giving Challenge link on our website from Noon on 9/1 to Noon on 9/2. Minimum donation must total $25.

Please help us partner with local families who have the desire to achieve the dream of homeownership - every dollar counts!

The 2015 Giving Challenge is made possible by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation with support from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation, and the Herald-Tribune Media Group.

volunteerBy: Brenda Graham

froM fIShIng to 5K - we’ve got an event for you!By: Ellen Cardillo

June 27th marked Ingman Marine and charlotte county habitat’s 7th annual "hooked on habitat" redfish tournament. this "reely" great event had a record of 43 boats descend on charlotte harbor in search of redfish after enjoying a friday evening dinner by Peace river Seafood and the opportunity to win great raffle prizes. congratulations to "team lakemasters" for their $2,500 first prize catch totaling 14.39 pounds! thank you to everyone that contributed to the tournament’s tremendous success.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming events!

November 2617th annual "turkey trot" 5k run/fun walk

February 6 4th annual "Putting on the ritz"

April (date TBD)3rd annual "charity golf classic"

haBItat newSflaShcharlottecountyhfh.org2 3

are you......

• retIreD and looking to satisfy your sense of purpose by serving others?

• a StuDent needing volunteer hours for graduation or working toward Bright Futures?

• a BuSIneSS looking for a non-profit partner to strengthen your staff’s team building skills?

• looKIng to connect with your community?

then we are looKIng for you!

• In our reSale stores

• on our construction sites

• In our office

• at our special events

We’d love to have you on board! Please contact Brenda Graham, Volunteer Coordinator, at 941-639-3162 or access our website www.charlottecountyhfh.org, complete a volunteer application and register for a weekly Volunteer Orientation Meeting!

Under the Lord’s watchful eye our Apostles Build 2015 project began in early January and was completed on schedule thanks to our partnership with nine local church congregations. The churches participated financially and by donating volunteer hours. Church members held fundraisers and spread the word among their congregations about this "back yard mission". Following the January 9th slab blessing and wall raising, church volunteers spent days setting trusses, framing, painting, and installing shingles and vinyl siding. The volunteers did a wonderful job raising the home from the ground up!

The following churches participated in our Apostles Build 2015 project: Boca Grande Lighthouse United Methodist Church, Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Deep Creek Community Church, Edgewater United Methodist Church, Faithlife Church, 1st United Methodist Church - Punta Gorda, Murdock Christian Church, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Boca Grande.

The new homeowner, Jacklyn Araque, a single mother of 4 year old A.J., works with autistic children and is in the process of earning her master’s degree. She stopped by the build site throughout the construction phase to give a hand and to thank the volunteers and Habitat site supervisors. Jacklyn also accepted invitations from participating churches to attend a service, meet their members and share her story.

The Project was completed by

March 23rd, and a home dedication ceremony was held on March 26th. The dedication ceremony provided a chance for individuals from the community to celebrate with Jacklyn and the participating churches on their accomplishment. Jaclyn commented, "This experience was amazing and something I will cherish and take with me forever. As I have said before, I will say again, it takes ordinary people to do extraordinary things and everyone from Habitat to Apostle Build church members are truly extraordinary people in my book."”

Our affiliate looks forward to partnering with local churches during the spring of 2016 to build another Apostles Build home. If you are interested in receiving additional information about Apostles Build, please contact Jan Nick at 941-639-3162 ext. 407 or by email at development@charlottecountyhfh.org.

aPoStleS BuIlD 2015By: Jan Nick

charlotte county haBItat for huManIty auguSt 2015

reSale StoreBy: Vickie Sheldon

everybody who’s anybody shops online these days. now you can even shop for special treasures at charlotte county habitat’s new online Store! the site is easy to access and clearly showcases each product. every order is insured and shipped direct to your door.

the listed products will be sold exclusively online. we feature many hard to find collectable and high-end items. you never know what you will discover because the inventory, from leather boots to dinner bells, is always changing. to view our current selection, visit our website at www.charlottecountyhfh.org and click on the Store tab.

we are into our summer months and making improvements to our stores located in Punta gorda, Port charlotte and englewood. thanks to a grant received from the william g. and Marie Selby foundation, we recently renovated our Punta gorda store to provide a larger, more comfortable shopping experience. Please visit any of our stores, and our friendly, outgoing staff will be glad to assist you. thank you for shopping and for helping us to continue our mission in charlotte county.

woMen BuIlD 2015By: Jessica Gordon

Amazing things can

happen when you bring groups of women

together from all walks of life! Garage sales, quarter auctions, and live

auctions took place as members of Centennial Bank, Kays Kloset, Brian Chapman State Insurance, Auction Lotto and others raised funds for Women Build 2015. Local residents and businesses joined to raise funds, build a home and change lives - not just the life of the new homeowner but the lives of every person that collaborated on the project.

Latera Hill, a Charlotte County native, military veteran and single mother of four, has faced many struggles during her life, including being homeless following Hurricane Charley. Charlotte County Habitat provided an opportunity for Latera to transform the

outcome of her family’s future. Women Build 2015 was an opportunity for donors and volunteers to become the catalyst for change in their community.

Volunteers worked at the build site from March thru May to raise trusses, build walls, paint, etc. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department personnel planted beautiful flowers and shrubs, donated by Walmart and refurbished by inmates. And personnel from Lowes Store #1732 in Port Charlotte volunteered to supplement a $5,000 Lowes donation the affiliate received through a Habitat International Women Build 2015 program.

Going forward Latera can focus on providing a stable and secure environment for her family. Thank you to everyone who helped make Women Build 2015 a success!

gIvIng challengeBy: Gabrielle Reineck

Charlotte County Habitat will be participating in the 2015 Giving Challenge, an online campaign that helps us raise funds and create program awareness, beginning on 9/1 at Noon and ending on 9/2 at Noon.

Will you help us meet our 2015 Giving Challenge goals? The first 50 non-profits to receive 50 online $50 or more donations will receive a $500 grant. The non-profit with the most new donors will receive a $10,000 grant (a new donor is anyone who did not donate online to our affiliate in the 2014 Giving Challenge). ALL "new donor"”donations up to $250 will be matched by The Patterson Foundation.

To donate, visit our website at www.charlottecountyhfh.org before 9/1 to make your pledge (pledged donations will be processed at Noon on 9/1). Donations can also be made by clicking the Giving Challenge link on our website from Noon on 9/1 to Noon on 9/2. Minimum donation must total $25.

Please help us partner with local families who have the desire to achieve the dream of homeownership - every dollar counts!

The 2015 Giving Challenge is made possible by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation with support from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation, and the Herald-Tribune Media Group.

volunteerBy: Brenda Graham

froM fIShIng to 5K - we’ve got an event for you!By: Ellen Cardillo

June 27th marked Ingman Marine and charlotte county habitat’s 7th annual "hooked on habitat" redfish tournament. this "reely" great event had a record of 43 boats descend on charlotte harbor in search of redfish after enjoying a friday evening dinner by Peace river Seafood and the opportunity to win great raffle prizes. congratulations to "team lakemasters" for their $2,500 first prize catch totaling 14.39 pounds! thank you to everyone that contributed to the tournament’s tremendous success.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming events!

November 2617th annual "turkey trot" 5k run/fun walk

February 6 4th annual "Putting on the ritz"

April (date TBD)3rd annual "charity golf classic"

Jay Gordon President

David Fetkenher Vice-President

Jeff Cardillo Secretary

Greg Griner Treasurer

Elias Mahshie Board Attorney

James Coalwell Voting Director

Peter Garcia Voting Director

Stacy Jones Voting Director

Paul Lioon Voting Director

Roger Miller Voting Director

Leslee Peth Voting Director

Will Sunter Voting Director

Steven Vito Voting Director

Rich Webb Voting Director www.charlottecountyhfh.org

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PUNTA GORDA

PERMIT NO.141

current resident or

1750 MANZANA AVENUE PUNTA GORDA FL 33950

(941) 639-3162 | FAX (941) 639-7414 WWW.CHARLOTTECOUNTYHFH.ORG

In support of our mission,

the printing of this newsletter

donated by Panther Printing

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

WILLIAM G. & MARIE SELBY FOUNDATION

thank you to our wonderful SponsorsSupport habitat and make your donation at www.charlottecountyhfh.org

1750 Manzana avenuePunta gorda, fl 33950(941) 639-3162 • fax (941) 639-7414www.charlottecountyhfh.org

Truly Nolen of America Inc. • The Patterson Foundation • Sharp Surveying Inc. • Southwest Engineering & Design, Inc. Nolan Family Insurance • J&C Drydock Marine Inc. • Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes • Acline HR

Garrod Drywall, Inc. • Think Tank Solutions • M2 Strategic Solutions, LLC • Furniture Warehouse

By Mike Mansfield, CEO

Affordable housing opportunities are

shrinking in Charlotte County. Rents continue rising and occupancy

rates for affordable rental units are over 98%. According to HUD the average rent for

a three bedroom, two bath home in Charlotte County is over $1200. Trying to find an affordable place to live is almost impossible.

For those who long for home ownership, opportunities are available at Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Families who are willing to invest 300 hours of sweat equity, make a $1000 down payment toward their escrow account, and participate in homeowner education classes can achieve the dream of home ownership through a partnership with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Upon completion of our program, homes are sold to families who are willing to partner with Habitat; they make zero interest monthly mortgage payments for 30 years. The average mortgage payment for our homeowner families is approximately $450 per month. This amount, which includes taxes and insurance, is well below the average rent in Charlotte County.

During our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity partnered with 28 families to help them achieve the dream of home ownership. An additional 13 families were assisted with painting and repairs to their homes.

We are anticipating enough resources to serve 20 families in our home ownership program and 12 painting and repair projects this fiscal year. Currently, we have 16 families partnering in our home ownership program and the demand continues to rise every month. On average we receive over 80 inquiries each month. We are dedicated to continue finding ways to help more families in our community.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Financial resources are critical to our program. We need your support to help more families in Charlotte County so they may achieve the American dream and live in safe, decent, affordable homes. Please consider partnering with Habitat by making a financial contribution so we may serve more families in need. With your help we will increase the supply to keep up with the demand!

The Habitat for Humanity program is a "hand up, not a handout". We partner with families who wish to improve their lives and help make a stronger, more vibrant community.

Thank you for your support and may God bless you and your family.

In support of our mission,

the printing of this newsletter

donated by Monarch Printing

full color

Reverese

2-color

1-color