Publix assists Habitat for Humanity in building Hamilton home

Publix associates gather at the site of Carla Hamilton’s future home during a recent Habitat for Humanity team build. [Photo by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County]

A team of Publix associates recently assisted Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County in building a home for Carla Hamilton and her grandson. The effort moves the family a step closer to owning a place of their own.

The build is part of a broader partnership between Publix and Habitat for Humanity, with Publix Charities serving as the sponsor of the Hamilton home. Between the volunteer labor and the financial backing, the collaboration is working toward giving the family a safe, stable place to live.

Publix Charities has for years sponsored homes built by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, while Publix itself has organized volunteer crews to help with the construction.

“We believe every family deserves a safe, stable place to call home. We are honored to support Habitat for Humanity and proud to continue collaborating with them in their mission to help expand access to affordable homeownership for families in our communities,” says John Doran, the executive director of Publix Charities.

Publix associates Shavin Hart, Rennae Morgan, Talla McGahee and John Harstad paint a fence at the Hamilton family’s future home. [Photo by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County]

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County works with families to build a path toward that stability. Before moving in, Habitat owners complete courses in financial education and homeownership and put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity alongside volunteers. They purchase their homes through an affordable mortgage, a structure meant to create not just a home, but also long-term stability and opportunity to carry into future generations.

None of it happens without sponsors and volunteers behind the scenes. Support from organizations like Publix Charities, combined with the volunteer hours contributed by partners like Publix, enables Habitat to keep expanding access to affordable homeownership.

“Publix Charities and Publix’s longstanding support have been invaluable to our mission and critical to helping more local families achieve the dream of homeownership,” says Jennifer Thomason, the president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. “We are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to building a better community.”

Individuals and families in need of safe, affordable housing partner with Habitat to build or improve homes of their own. The organization notes that support can take many forms, from donations and volunteer time to advocacy for affordable housing As the organization puts it: Through shelter, it empowers.

More information is available at www.habitatgreaterpbc.org.