Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry counties is a nonprofit organization that provides simple, decent housing for families who otherwise could not afford it. Habitat currently has 42 partner families working through the Habitat program

requirements and 38 families have closed on their homes since October, 2010.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of families wishing to become Habitat homeowners. The need for funding for Habitat homes is greater than ever before,” said Tanya Soholt, vice president of Family Services.

“Attendance at our orientation meetings has tripled since the first of the year. We received more than 100 interest forms last month, and it is our mission to do all we can to help as many qualified families as possible find a decent, affordable home.”

Homeownership requirements include 250 sweat equity hours, payment of $1,200 toward closing costs and mandatory attendance at homeowner training classes. Through the use of volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, homes are sold to the homeowners at no profit with an interest-free mortgage, making homeownership a reality, Soholt said.

Families interested in becoming Habitat homeowners must attend a homeowner orientation meeting where they receive the application and information on Habitat’s program requirements.

Visit Habitat’s website at www.habitat4humanity.org or call (239) 652-1681 to register for an orientation.

Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is one of the largest affiliates in the country, and it has provided more than 1,100 families in Lee and Hendry counties the opportunity to own their own home.