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History of Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County

Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County was established in 1991 by a group of local businessmen that saw a need for better living conditions for the working families in our community. In 1993 the first Habitat home was completed in Baker, Florida. For the past 20 years Habitat for Humanity has been building stronger lives for mothers, fathers and children in our neighborhoods.

In 2010, forty-five homes have been completed with more than 100 children's lives changed for the better. Offering a hand-up, not a hand-out, the Habitat mission enables the American dream to become a reality for families that often times would not be able to succeed without assistance.

With the help of more than 600 volunteers a year and more than 1,500 volunteer hours per home, Habitat completes an average of
2-4 each year.

Partner families are offered a 0% mortgage, removing the high costs associated with a traditional mortgage. The gift of homeownership is given with the partnership of families giving 300 hours of sweat equity to another families home and on their own home construction. Funds received from monthly mortgages are used in a revolving fund to continue to build safe, decent and affordable housing in Okaloosa County.

Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County opened the Habitat ReStore in Fort Walton Beach. The ReStore offers the affiliate an opportunity to raise funds from donated building materials, furniture and appliances. New and used inventory is sold to the community at 50-75% off retail prices, offering an alternative for individuals to purchase materials at a great discount while helping Habitat. The long-term goal of the ReStore is to generate additional funds to build homes in the community by eliminating waste in our landfills. Donate to Recycle - Shop to Save!

Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County is a non-profit Christian based organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Okaloosa County. We provide opportunities for the community to show God's love in action.

Vision

Through partnership with people in need, we break the cycle by providing decent, affordable housing and improving the quality of life of our partner families.

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