Christopher George (right) meets with David Kuhlman of Habitat for Humanity with metal bench and commercial bicycle rack
The Park Catalog recently donated site furnishings such as a metal bench and commercial bicycle rack to the Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County and we are certainly proud to be involved with this organization.
What's impressive about this country is that with all the news going on, you don't see enough coverage of the tremendous accomplishments by non-profit organizations and volunteers who constantly strive every day to improve our communities.
One reason is that there is so much community work taking place every day around this country, this effort is not considered unique enough to be considered a news item. Because it is so prevalent, we tend to take it for granted.
But these people do deserve recognition because their labor exemplifies the American ideal of giving people a boost to achieve a better life. Certainly owning a home is one important milestone for any family.
Contrary to what many people might think, Habitat for Humanity does not build houses and give them away. Families must demonstrate an ability to pay a mortgage. (They can secure a very affordable rate based on their ability to make loan payments).
They must also show they have a minimum of two years of continuous income. And, the home owner is asked to put their own sweat equity into the construction and attend required workshops.
There are several criteria for eligibility. For the South Palm Beach County chapter, the applicant must have lived or worked in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, or Boca Raton for the past 12 months. They must be a US Citizen or permanent resident, pass a criminal background check and be a first-time homebuyer.
To qualify, earned income must be less than 60% of the area median income, adjusted for household size.
What most people also don't know is that Habitat for Humanity will work with existing home owners to help them renovate or rehabilitate their existing homes. The organization can help with repairs to the roof, windows, doors, heating/cooling systems, safety improvements and other items.
This is truly a community-wide program. Many local businesses are heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity. They either donate items, help plan fund-raisers or offer their time. Their support is critical.
For items Habitat doesn't use in the construction of homes, the group has a retail outlet called "ReStore" where donations such as furniture or home products are sold to raise money for their projects.
To date, Habitat for Humanity in the southern half of Palm Beach County has helped more than 120 families own a "safe, decent and affordable home." That is truly an incredible accomplishment and it is truly a way to empower families to be able to develop equity and pride in their own home.
Studies show home ownership is one proven way to enhance a community. It stabilizes the school system, adds to the tax base and boosts neighborhoods in general. When people own their own homes, they work hard to keep them up and make them nice. Habitat for Humanity of Southern Palm Beach County is certainly working behind the scenes to make this area a nice place to live for everybody.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity and to find a local chapter or ReStore, the store with furnishings and other home items, visit the national homepage here.
For the southern Palm Beach chapter.
To learn more about the thousands of outdoor site furnishings from The Park Catalog.