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Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, along with Habitat for Humanity International, and 83 other U.S. Habitat affiliate organizations, recently received a $6.75 million gift from American author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift is part of a $436M dollar gift to Habitat for Humanity international and 84 other national Habitat affiliates. This transformational donation will substantially help further Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has equitable access to a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.
“The impact of a gift of this magnitude is incalculable. It will give us the ability to serve so many more Miami Dade families who struggle with the crippling lack of housing affordability in our community” said Mario Artecona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami. “We cannot express our gratitude enough. This will change many lives for the better.”
With increasing costs across all areas of development and construction, this will help keep the prices of Habitat homes truly affordable, an integral part of the Habitat model. Among the uses for the donation will be offsetting costs on an upcoming 150 townhome Habitat community in south Miami-Dade County. Habitat also plans to upgrade its aging vehicle fleet and technology to prepare the affiliate for many years of service to the community.
It has been widely reported that Miami has become the least housing affordable city in the country. It is not uncommon for families to spend 60% of their income on housing, sometimes forcing them decide between paying for groceries or utilities and rent. Affordable homeownership is a crucial component of creating financial stability, and Habitat targets the most vulnerable populations and provides that opportunity. To date, more than 1,200 low income Miami-Dade families have purchased homes through the Habitat program.
About Miami Habitat
Founded in 1989, Miami Habitat has completed over 1,200 affordable homes throughout Miami-Dade County. For more information, please visit: www.miamihabitat.org.
