Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has received a $250,000 grant from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), marking their second year of support for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Weatherization and Repair Assistance Program (WRAP).
Launched in May 2021, the WRAP program allows Pensacola Habitat to make weatherization and repair assessments for FPL customers who meet the eligibility criteria for WRAP and then assists those homeowners in making critical repairs resulting in a more energy efficient home.
“Pensacola Habitat is known as the leader in addressing the community’s affordable housing crisis. Partnering with FPL is a crucial step in continuing our commitment to ensure safe and affordable housing options in our community,” explains Sam Young, CEO of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.
Pensacola homeowner Debbie Wright was a beneficiary of the FPL funded WRAP program last year. Her home suffered from a major leak in a section of the roof, windows that were leaking air and electrical problems throughout. Through the WRAP program, Pensacola Habitat and its partners were able to repair the roof, replace six windows and complete electrical repairs.
When asked how the repairs have impacted her quality of life, Debbie shared, “The repairs in my house have helped me a lot. I had a leak on my back porch and the repairs have saved me. I have no rotten wood or leakage anymore. My windows and screen doors were replaced, causing my electric bill to go down. I don’t have to keep my thermostat on 62 with the replacement of a new thermostat, I get the right temperature and am able to keep it at 74. I have benefited from this program so much.”
For many years, FPL has supported Pensacola Habitat’s efforts to provide affordable homeownership options in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties through Pensacola Habitat’s Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP), annual Women Build and many other builds and support projects.
“Programs like WRAP are a great way to help homeowners make repairs to their homes to improve the sustainability of their home, including energy efficiency improvements,” said Rick Byars, local senior external affairs manager for FPL. “At FPL, we’re committed to working with the communities that we serve to make them even better places to live, work and raise a family, and we are honored to work with organizations like Pensacola Habitat for Humanity that are helping our communities in Northwest Florida.”
For more information about how you can partner with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity or about the programs that Pensacola Habitat offers the community, please visit pensacolahabitat.org.
About Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1981, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian ministry whose purpose is to improve communities through sustainable partnerships. Having built and renovated over 1,450 homes, Pensacola Habitat seeks new and innovative ways to positively impact the community through various meaningful projects, including their Home Buyer and Community Development Programs. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity offers unique financing opportunities to qualified applicants to provide affordable homeownership in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. For more information, visit pensacolahabitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About NeighborWorks America
For over 40 years, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. (d/b/a NeighborWorks America), a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit, has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and safe, affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $27.2 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. For more information, visit nw.org.
About Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Our local Habitat for Humanity Restore supports Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope. Revenue earned by selling donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and more is reinvested in our community to provide affordable homeownership options to families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Together we are changing lives right here at home. For more information, visit pensacolarestore.com.
