Habitat for Humanity of Martin County teams up with Educate Tomorrow on ‘green home’ build

STUART, Fla., July 14, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is receiving some much needed assistance with the construction of their green homes in East Stuart, thanks to Miami-based not-for-profit, Educate Tomorrow.

The group of 11 young adults and two adult mentors are volunteering for HFHMC through Friday, July 16, on two home sites located at the 800 block of Tarpon Avenue. The students are transitioning out of the foster system; Educate Tomorrow helps them to bridge the gap into the real world and college through mentorship programs.

“At some time in their life, these kids have been abused, abandoned or neglected,” said Erica French, chief operating officer and program supervisor for Educate Tomorrow. “As foster kids, they can go to any state or technical school for free, but often there’s no one to help them get there. At age 18, they’re out of the foster program, but if they stay in school, they can receive a monthly check to help with living expenses. It’s not easy being on your own, finding an apartment, learning to budget your expenses, and that’s where Educate Tomorrow helps out.”

Educate Tomorrow, Corp. is an international, nonprofit organization with a mission to make education an attainable goal for the most disadvantaged, so that all may be afforded the possibilities that can be achieved through learning. Educate Tomorrow supports 15-23 year olds who are aging out of the foster care system, by matching them with mentors. These mentors in turn help the young people to enroll in college and training programs, find housing and jobs, as well as apply for educational and social assistance that may be available to them.

“We’ve volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County every year for the past three years,” said French. “We know that camps and retreats are good for the students and makes for a great bonding experience.”

The group is contributing to the construction of HFHMC’s green homes, which will conform to environmentally sensitive standards, meeting gold rating requirements by the Florida Green Building Coalition. The house is expected to be complete in November.

“We’re so grateful to the students and mentors at Educate Tomorrow for volunteering their time to help our community, year after year,” said Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director. “It’s a wonderful partnership and we’re so blessed to have an opportunity to work with such an extraordinary group.”

To learn more about Habitat sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940. For more information about Educate Tomorrow, visit EducateTomorrow.org or call (305) 374-3751.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Photo Captions
Educate Tomorrow students Harry Mystery DuVal and David Dixon are spending a week of their summer vacation volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

Educate Tomorrow student Calvin Pierre helps secure a truss while volunteering at one of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s green homes on Tarpon Avenue in Stuart.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County dedicates new home in Hobe Sound

HOBE SOUND, Fla., July 13, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) celebrated the con-

struction of its 86^th home at a dedication ceremony on June 24 in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. The new homeowners, Gilbert and Alisena Payoute, thanked all those who worked so hard to help them reach this goal.

The Hobe Sound Community Chest sponsored the home construction, and board member Jennifer Ferrari, also executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, presented the Payoute family with the key to their new home. Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director, explained to dedication attendees that the Payoute family had contributed 300 sweat equity hours working on their home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming Habitat homeowners. At the end of the ceremony, the Payoute family invited supporters inside for a tour of the home and refreshments.

Through the donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, HFHMC was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. The Payoute family purchased the home with a no-profit loan and their monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“We are so pleased to present Gilbert and Alisena with the keys to their new home,” said Graff. “We would also like to thank all the volunteers who generously donated their time to help make this house a home, as well as the Hobe Sound Community Chest. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”

To support an upcoming build or to learn more about Habitat homeownership, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

Photo caption: Jennifer Ferrari, Hobe Sound Community Chest board member and executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, presents Gilbert Payoute and his son, Marco, with a key to their new home. The Hobe Sound Community Chest sponsored the three-bedroom Habitat for Humanity home in Banner Lake.