Pensacola Habitat for Humanity recently broke ground on the first home in its Community Land Trust to be built by the affiliate, aided in part by a contingent of volunteers from local service organization Pensacola Five Flags Rotary.
The Northwest Florida Community Land Trust is a landmark initiative that will permanently increase the affordable housing stock in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. With its history of serving the community with service above self, the Rotary Club was a natural partner to lend its strength to the first home build led by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, sending volunteers out for a key early day of the framing process.
“Though we are the stewards of the land trust, it truly will take the whole community for it to have the lasting impact we envision, creating quality affordable homes to serve individuals and families in perpetuity,” said Pensacola Habitat for Humanity President/CEO and Rotary Club member Sam Young. “I’m thrilled that these two organizations full of dedicated, community-driven people could work together on framing a home that will serve generations to come.”
The Rotary Club came out on the third day of the build, helping wrap the exterior of the home and get roof trusses up, making a tremendous impact on the framing process. Other volunteers involved in the framing process of the lot included Santa Rosa County Commissioner Colten Wright and representatives from groups like Santa Rosa County Housing, Santa Rosa County Public Works and Navy Federal Credit Union.
Veronica Dias, President of Five Flags Rotary of Pensacola said, “Our members were so pleased to have had the opportunity to volunteer as Five Flags had done in years past. Affordable housing is such an important need that Pensacola Habitat for Humanity works to address. Not only is Pensacola Habitat a great organization but their CEO is a fellow Five Flags Rotarian so it made it extra special to participate in the build.”
To learn more about the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust and how you can support it, visit www.pensacolahabitat.org/nfclt.