LABELLE — “We are proud to announce that Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties’ ONLY 2020 Hendry County homeowner has his keys!!” Florida Hometown Title & Escrow LLC posted on their Facebook page on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 24.

In the past five years, by creating opportunities for affordable homeownership, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has helped nearly 500 local children experience the safety and stability that a decent home provides.

Through collaboration and partnership with donors and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties works to build or rehabilitate existing homes, and sell them to qualified, low-income families using an affordable mortgage. Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties was granted a charter in October 1982, one of the first affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International.

This year, in partnership with Habitat, Florida Hometown Title & Escrow LLC and a few other community sponsors, a low-income, single father has successfully built and purchased a Habitat home in Labelle.

“Jorge, single father to his 13 year-old son, Enrique, is a longtime Hendry County resident, who works in the agriculture industry. While he was already living in a low-income apartment complex, Jorge still spent more than 50% of this monthly income on rent,” the Facebook post went on to explain. “Before qualifying for his Habitat home, Jorge spent one year working diligently with a Habitat housing counselor, building his credit, learning to manage his finances and saving his hard-earned money.”

“Monthly mortgage payments are set at 30% or less of the homeowner’s income, making homeownership an affordable reality,” the Habitat website states. “Habitat for Humanity is a private nonprofit organization that is funded through the generosity of local individuals, businesses and faith organizations.”

Both Habitat and Florida Hometown Title & Escrow LLC made sure to thank to all of the individuals and corporate sponsors who helped raise $50,000 to make this Hendry County home ownership a reality.

“This means YOU: Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, Synovus, LaBelle Brewing Company, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Hendry County Rocket Cooling, Riverside Real Estate Inc., LaBelle Chamber, United Real Estate Infinity,” the Florida Hometown Title & Escrow Facebook post read.

If you would like to help, you can find out more by visiting the Habitat website: https://www.habitat4humanity.org/how-to-help/.