Clearwater, FL— Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has launched a new shopping experience, the BuildHer Boutique. This ladies boutique will sell and accept donations of gently used, high end accessories at a resale prices at the Pinellas ReStore location. All profits from the boutique will benefit the Habitat for Humanity affiliate, and will go towards building affordable homes for members of the Pinellas and West Pasco communities.
BuildHer Boutique launched in partnership with the affiliate’s Hammers & Heels group. Hammers & Heels is a women’s giving circle that consists of local women who are dedicated to philanthropy and supporting the Habitat for Humanity mission.
Each year, from fundraising through construction, this group leads a Women’s Build to make the dream of homeownership come true for a local single mother. This past year, the ladies of Hammers & Heels partnered with Tikeytia Walker and her two children.
When Tikeytia was chosen to be a part of the Women’s Build, she said, “This is something I have dreamed about since I was 23 years old. It still is surreal, and I am thankful to be given the opportunity to prove that I deserve this.” Her and her family have now been in a safe, affordable home for several months.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties will continue to build homes for similar future homeowners through the generous donations and volunteer hours from the women of Pinellas and West Pasco communities.
The Pinellas ReStore location, at 13355 49th Street North in Clearwater, is currently accepting donations of handbags, home decor, belts, jewelry, hats, and sunglasses. For questions regarding boutique donations or involvement in Hammers & Heels, please contact Director of Resource Development and Faith Relations, Pam Ora, at pora@habitatpwp.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and West Pasco Counties
In March 2019, the West Pasco and Pinellas County affiliates merged to form Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. In total, the affiliate has constructed 582 homes for struggling families in Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, using locally raised funds. Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat Pinellas homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income. For Pinellas County, that translates to as little as $27,000 a year for a family of four. Candidates must also demonstrate need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat Pinellas to invest 350 to 450 sweat equity hours. Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that home ownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their ReStores, home improvement outlets where donated household and building items are sold to the public. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, contact (727) 536-4755 or visit www.habitatpwp.org.
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