Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Four Decades of Selfless Service and Future Prospects

Savannah, the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, recently hosted its annual gathering at SCAD’s Poetter Hall, marking their 40th year of tireless service and casting light on their ambitious plans for the future.

Current board president, Kirk Gilbert, emphasized the organization’s mission, stating, “We don’t just build houses; we build homes. Through sweat equity and side-by-side work with volunteers, we empower families to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need for a brighter future.”

The organization joined Habitat for Humanity International in 1983 and has since been instrumental in uplifting Savannah’s low-income households, helping families actualize their dreams of owning homes.

Milestones and Achievements

Zerik Samples, the CEO of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, highlighted key accomplishments of the organization over the years. He mentioned the construction of over 160 homes, the fulfillment of over 45 mortgages, and the flourishing of several events, such as the first Build-A-Thon event in 1997. The annual meeting served as a platform to celebrate these triumphs and strategize for a promising future.

To support its mission, the organization reopened the Habitat ReStore in 2015, which accepts donations of new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, and building materials to fund its projects.

Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, over 2,199 volunteers donated 10,606 hours of their time, helping the organization build five homes. This massive network of volunteers is instrumental in the organization’s success while creating a supportive community for families in need.

Honoring Dedication and Commitment

The event commemorated outgoing board members Jed Young, Keaven Jackson, and several past Executive directors, acknowledging their colossal contributions. Long-serving volunteers Mr. and Mrs. Nutt were honored with the 2024 Love and Commitment Award, highlighting their unfading commitment to helping others.

The Coastal Empire Habitat’s monumental mission isn’t achievable without its vast network of dedicated volunteers and the wider community. As Samples stated, “The work that we do year in and year out could not be possible without our huge network of dedicated volunteers.”

New Horizons and Future Endeavors

In line with its expansion plans, several new board members have been elected, which is expected to aid growth as the organization extends its services to Bryan and Liberty counties. Annette Ogletree-McDougal, who has been elected president for the forthcoming year, shared, “We’re breaking ground on 10 brand-new construction projects, which will provide families in our community with the safe and secure homes they deserve.”

The organization has laid down plans for a program called “Capable,” a partnership with Hospice Savannah. Through this initiative, they aim to bring about home repairs and modifications to help existing homeowners age comfortably and safely within their own homes.

The organization recently broke ground on a new development in Port Wentworth, in partnership with the City of Port Wentworth, Chatham County, and Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity. Slated to complete in 2025, this project aims to build 83 homes in Port Wentworth, a significant stride in the organization’s mission.

True to Habitat for Humanity’s summarizing principle of hope, strength, and stability, the past 40 years have seen the Coastal Empire chapter of the organization work relentlessly to turn houses into homes, providing deserving families with safe, sustainable, and affordable shelter.

To learn more about the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, their projects, and their future events, visit https://www.habitatsavannah.org/.

Source

HERE News Network

Author

HERE News