Celebrates Dedication of New Sanford Home for Single Mom and Kids
Sanford, FL – June 14, 2017 – Building communities with our hands and our hearts is not just a slogan for Wharton-Smith, but words the company stands by. This past week, team members from Wharton-Smith’s Commercial Division partnered with local builders and Habitat for Humanity of Seminole-Apopka (HFHSA) to make one family’s dream of home ownership a reality. As part of the 2017 Home Builders Blitz, construction crews worked from sun up to sun down to build a single family home for Sanford resident Jakevia and her three children. A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday, June 13 to bless the home and present the family with keys to the house.
Over a dozen local subcontractors participated in the week-long build. Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte and Commissioner Velma Williams were on hand to take part in the ceremony. “I feel great that Habitat for Humanity, the City of Sanford, and all of these contractors have made a dream come true,” remarked Commissioner Williams. “For the magicians that did this in a week and a half, you are to be commended. You have improved the quality of life for this family,” she added.
Every family that Habitat builds for must qualify to be part of the program by having a housing need, the ability to pay for the home, and the willingness to partner through 200 hours of sweat equity.
Former Habitat Board Member and Vice President of Wharton-Smith Tim Smith, along with Darin Crafton, Vice President of the firm’s Commercial Division, helped spearhead the project and get local subcontractors involved. “It has truly been a privilege and we thank Habitat for inviting us to participate,” said Smith. Wharton-Smith’s Senior Superintendent Mike Murray managed construction throughout the week coordinating trades and ensuring the project stayed on schedule despite rain throughout the week.
“Thank you to E2Homes, Wharton-Smith and J. Raymond Construction for sponsoring this build,” said Kelly Pisciotta, Associate Director of HFHSA. “This would not be possible without you!” Local services and support were also donated by Acousti Engineering, BNG Construction, Builders First Source, CPH Engineers, Weston Coatings, Giles Electric Company, Hudson Everly Commercial Flooring, Ivetic Trucking, La Frontier Builders, SI Goldman Co., T & S Professional Rentals, Tharp Plumbing Systems, Universal Engineering Sciences, Pacesetter Personnel Services, Quality Metals, CED Daytona Beach, and Waste Pro.
Photos from the event are located on our Flickr site here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskX5cKAs
About Habitat for Humanity of Seminole-Apopka (HFHSA) and Home Builders Blitz
HFHSA has completed more than 165 homes throughout the community, Through the use of donations, in-kind gifts, and volunteer labor, Habitat builds simple, decent, efficient homes which are sold to low-income families in the community at no profit and financed with an affordable mortgage. The Home Builders Blitz is an annual initiative held nationwide. This year’s Builders Blitz was the 7th event held for Habitat International and the 5th house completed by Habitat for Humanity of Seminole-Apopka. Since its inception the week-long build has provided more than 1,900 families across the U.S. a new place to call home.
