Homecoming helpers

Habitat for Humanity houses families

Habitat for Humanity of Broward has had a busy summer working to ensure its newest homeowners will be ready for school. The nonprofit placed nine families in new homes during summer break.

“Our volunteers and construction workers understood how important it was for the children of our new homeowners to start the school year in their new homes,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward’s CEO and executive director. “It was a busy summer, but what a payoff.”

The homes, located in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach and Dania Beach were presented to the families over four dedication ceremonies from June through August.

Each home took about nine months to complete, which includes thousands of volunteer hours.

For new homeowners like Cortina Simpkins, a single mother, it fulfills a longtime dream. When she received the letter of acceptance into the Habitat program, the pharmacy technician saw a better future for herself and her two sons.

“My family’s lives changed with the opening of one envelope,” Simpkins said. “Being part of the Habitat Broward program has made me feel thankful and brave for the future.”

The program connects homeowners who have passed credit and background checks with zero-interest mortgages. They invest hundreds of sweat equity hours and take a year’s worth of homeownership and money management courses.

New owner Diana Williams is the first of her siblings to own a home.

“This journey has been priceless,” said Williams, a mother of three children.

Williams’ home was unique in that it was sponsored and built by members of Florida Girls Giving Back. The group of teens put in more than 300 volunteer hours during the construction.

“Thanks to Florida Girls Giving Back, my children have a place to come home to,” Williams said.

Habitat for Humanity homes dedicated in Broward County this summer bring its total number of homes in Fort Lauderdale to 89, 49 in Oakland Park, 103 in Pompano Beach, 27 in Dania Beach and 149 in the county’s other municipalities.