Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County’s role as a United Way Suncoast strategic community partner moved into a new era this fall with the launch of a multi-year funding commitment from the venerable nonprofit leader.
United Way Suncoast kicked off its new fiscal year on July 1 by initiating the distribution of a three-year grant that will deliver $90,000 to Habitat Hillsborough. We will use the funds to support our newly launched Credit Mentoring program.
Habitat Hillsborough’s Credit Mentoring Program is empowering low- and moderate-income families to understand the financial factors shaping their lives and take control of their economic future. Mentors will guide promising candidates as they resolve credit history and navigate other financial challenges, such as reducing debt or increasing savings. The goal is that after one year or less in the Mentoring Program, participants will be well positioned to achieve their financial goals, whether it is to buy their own home or establish financial resilience.
Tina Forcier expressed excitement about the support.
“Habitat Hillsborough is honored to partner with the United Way Suncoast on a new program that we believe will help break down barriers many families in our community face to homeownership and building wealth.”
Since our founding locally in 1987, Habitat Hillsborough has built & repaired nearly 500 homes throughout the County in partnership with homeowner candidates, community organizations, dedicated volunteers & generous donors. We create and preserve homeownership for families with incomes between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income. Our programs include:
• Homeownership: Successful candidates have steady income to make monthly payments, but cannot qualify for a traditional mortgage. Habitat’s affordable solution keeps home payments at no more than 30% of household income.
• Home Preservation: Serves existing homeowners in need of assistance. Work can range from critical repairs such as roof replacement to simple maintenance such as clearing brush.
• Aging in Place: Helps vulnerable seniors age safely in their own homes with modifications such as grab bars and ADA-compliant ramps.
• Veterans Initiative: Provides all these services to limited-income veterans and their families, from helping to buy affordable homes to repairing or modifying their existing homes to remain accessible and safe.
The community investment represents a first in United Way Suncoast’s 98-year history — a three-year commitment to 88 nonprofits that will total nearly $18 million by fiscal year 2025. In past years, United Way Suncoast issued annual grants. The new approach will empower Habitat Hillsborough to boost the strategic planning behind the program and grow together with United Way Suncoast.
“Our strategic community partners requested a change to multi-year funding and the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll create trends and allow us to measure true impact; it’ll reduce the strain of the application process for the partners and UWS, and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.”
To learn more about how to give of your time, talent, and treasure, visit www.habitathillsborough.org. You can learn more about United Way Suncoast at www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County
Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County became an affiliate in 1987 and is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization founded and operated on Christian principles. Habitat Hillsborough is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their housing conditions. In addition, they serve homeowners through their home preservation program and provide gently used household items in their three ReStore locations in Hillsborough County.