CHARITY BEGINS AT ‘HOME’

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter has helped families in need of safe and decent housing achieve the American dream since 1989, and now the organization is in the early stages of building Veterans Village and is looking into the future. Constructing a community of micro homes—affordable housing for seniors and millennials— just may be on the horizon.

Lee Owen, chair of the local Habitat, believes Habitat is headed in the right direction, and she praises the group’s CEO Kent Adcock for his vision.

“Kent really thinks out of the box and I love that,” says Lee. “It stretches us and it kind of makes us say ‘Why do we have to do things the same old way? Why can’t we do something different, based on the needs of the community?’ This makes it fun.”

The immediate fun task at hand is developing a $2.3 million Veterans Village on Lake Enola in Umatilla, billed as a cutting-edge project. Groundbreaking last month paved the way for hundreds of volunteers to build 12 affordable homes on the site, including college groups and Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets, who are expected to come this winter and and spring of 2017. Work on the first two homes has begun, two more houses will be started in January, and construction on four more is slated for May.

“We’ll have eight by this time next year,” says Kent, before the final four homes are built. “I am really optimistic because there is not anything like it for veterans.”

The cottage-style homes are for all ages of veterans with a DD214 to purchase, including active military members and spouses of deceased veterans.

Kent believes many veterans will qualify for a VA loan with no money down or closing costs, or they may be able to get funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

There are sponsorship opportunities for the community to help Veterans Village, including being a $100 brick sponsor to commemorate a loved one, thank a veteran, or add a company logo to an engraved brick. The bricks will complete the Veterans Path of the village of homes.

“Our whole focus is centered on veterans,” Kent says, “but what we are looking at is what I consider four vulnerable populations: veterans, elderly, disabled, and the millennials, who are having a very difficult time finding housing.”

The Next Big Project

“I’m working on a new concept called micro houses,” says Kent, who plans to reveal more details about it to his Habitat board in January. “They’re not tiny houses and they’re not regular houses, but they fall within about 550- to 850-square-feet and they are perfect for a single individual or a couple, so the millennials would love it and the seniors would fit well from an affordability perspective.”

However, he notes most municipalities don’t allow anything below 750 square feet.

“So it’s an issue to where we will have to go to the municipality to see if we can get a variance or something or do like we are with Veterans Village and put it into a village that is designed for those,” Kent says.

He showed the design of a 540-square-foot micro house with a porch. The bedroom wall featured a Murphy bed that folds up and is put down for sleeping, which he believes young adults would like.

He says the micro houses would be very high quality, built on slabs, be efficient in energy and construction, and be a village of planned unit development (PUD) that is intergenerational with millennials, seniors, disabled, and veterans—mostly for single residents.

“It’s not a place for seniors, it’s not a place for veterans, it’s not a place for millennials, it’s an intergenerational walkable community,” Kent says. “I am really looking for the next possibility and I think it offers an opportunity—it’s about providing economically affordable high quality housing.”

He believes micro houses could fill a vital need.

“When you look at what rates are running now for rent, it’s astronomical,” Kent says. “It’s about listening, finding what the needs are, and filling the gaps rather than the other way around of trying to do something and make it fit.”

As a visionary, Kent says he makes efforts to listen to people to hear their needs.

“I was talking with some millennials and they were saying, ‘I can’t find a place and my rent is outrageously expensive,’” Kent says. “And it’s the same with seniors.” And in looking into the future, he believes more housing will be smaller, more energy efficient, and more economical to operate.

Continuing With Popular Projects

Habitat continues to build new homes and had closings in November on houses in Eustis and Lady Lake, and the organization’s volunteers do preservation and repair jobs on houses throughout Lake and Sumter County.

Much of the rehab work is done on homes that Habitat was able to obtain out of foreclosure.

“We basically go in and replace anything and everything that needs replaced with a fresh everything in there and then we sell it to a Habitat family. We’ve been doing that for a while and we haven’t advertised it that much,” Kent says. “Back in 2008, when foreclosures were really big, that was all we did.”

Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter continues with new construction projects, rehab work on existing foreclosures, preservation repair, work on Veterans Village, and looks to the future of micro houses.

Another issue Kent believes worth evaluating is housing concerns among seniors.

“We are finding there are a lot of elderly women who have lost their husbands who are living in a home and are having major problems maintaining that home,” he says. “Maybe they need a new roof that needs replaced. We are hearing from so many ‘my insurance has contacted me and said they are going to drop me if I don’t do this, and I don’t have the money to replace my roof that is $10,000.’ ”

Kent believes Habitat can help a person get into a micro house for less than $410 a month, less than the cost of lot rent. The way Kent sees it, developing a micro house community could be his last ‘hurrah’ before he retires.

“We’ve got two years to finish up the Veterans Village and I’ve got three more years before I think I am going to be getting close to retire,” he says. “If we can go on the heels of Veterans Village with a different community like we are talking about, that could be my exit piece. It may take longer than three years and that’s OK. It means I have to work a couple more years and that is not a big deal. Working until 70 is not going to hurt me.”

To become a sponsor or learn more about Veterans Village and other Habitat projects, call 352.483.0434.

Everyone knows the old saying, ‘It is better to give than receive.’ Giving is even more gratifying when you join others to provide help. Many Lake County businesses, organizations, charities, and individuals are working hard to provide ways for you to make a difference in the lives of others in the year to come with cook-offs, dances, festivals, golf tournaments, live entertainment, silent auctions, and more.

This is Healthy Living’s Annual Charity Event Calendar for 2017. It highlight events planned throughout the area. Whatever your favorite cause, you’ll find a way to help. Be sure to save your copy so you don’t miss any of the FUNdraising in 2017!

If you have questions about the mission of these worthwhile organizations, please refer to the Charity Register, which is also in this issue.

December

ADOPT–A–CHILD FOR CHRISTMAS

An all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that provides Christmas gifts to East Lake County children in need. “Angel Trees” are placed in local post offices and businesses and decorated with angels containing a child’s name and gift wish.

adoptachildforchristmas.com

Beacon College

Giving Tuesday, a national day of giving, is Dec. 6. Potential donors may stop by Beacon’s main office in downtown Leesburg to donate any amount of money, or donations can be made online at beaconcollege. edu. Beacon College is the nation’s first accredited college to offer associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD.

beaconcollege.edu

Camp Boggy Creek

“The Joy of Camp: A Gala Celebration With a Little Bit of Country” fundraising event is Dec. 10 at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios in Orlando. The event includes a live and silent auction, camper stores, and a concert by country music legend Alan Jackson. This year-round camp for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses provides memorable, exciting, fun, and empowering experiences for campers at no charge. campboggycreek.org

JANUARY SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA, INC

The 23rd annual Publix Supermarkets Torch Icon Campaign. Purchase a paper torch at any Publix for $1, $3, $5, or $10 the first three weeks of

January. The funds provide yearround sports training and competition for more than 23,000 children and adults with special needs. specialolympicsflorida.org

February

Lazarus Free Clinic

The sixth annual “A Taste of The Villages” is Feb. 1 to raise funds to provide medical services to those in need in Lake County. Attendees sample specialty dishes from various local restaurants and enjoy live music and a live auction. cflcc.org

Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation

The eighth annual Celebration of Life Gala, which benefits Florida Hospital Waterman’s emergency department, is Feb. 4, at The Westin in Lake Mary. Attendees enjoy dinner, a live and silent auction, and live entertainment. fhwatermandonate.org

MOUNT DORA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, INC.

The 42nd Mount Dora Arts Festival is Feb. 4-5. It attracts more than 300,000 visitors and potential buyers for the two-day, juried event, ranked in Sunshine Artist’s Top 100 Festivals. Proceeds support appreciation of art and culture through educational programs and art exhibits. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

Young Performing Artists

The Soul Food Festival is Feb. 25 at Wildwood Country Resort. The event celebrates African-American culture with a fun-filled evening of live entertainment and dancing. Soul food served during the event includes barbecue, fried chicken, collard greens, conch peas, cornbread, and sweet potato bread. youngperformingartists.org

Golden Triangle Ymca

The annual Youth Scholarship Campaign, scheduled for February and March, raises funds so children, families, and neighbors—people who may lack financial means to participate in YMCA activities—can benefit from the contributions. ymcaofcentralflorida.org

March

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LAKE-SUMTER FL, INC.

The second annual American Heroes Walk is March 4 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Leesburg. Walk a lap and RoMac Lumber donates $5 toward Habitat’s newest project, Veterans Village in Umatilla. habitatls.org

Lake Eustis Museum Of Art

The 12th annual Art-A-Fare is March 9. The event features dinner and a silent auction with art, vacation packages, and donated prizes to raise funds to support the exhibition and collection of fine art. It also aids the presentation of museum-quality art education programming to enrich culture and enhance economic development of this diverse community. lakeeustisartmuseum.org

LAKE SUMTER CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER, INC.

The 16th annual Bids for Kids is March 11. The event, held at Savannah Center in The Villages, is an invitation-only barbecue featuring a live and silent auction. cac4kids.org

PIG ON THE POND, INC.

The 18th annual Pig on the Pond Sanctioned BBQ Competition and Festival is March 10-12 and includes a barbecue competition and carnival with rides. This organization raises much-needed funds for scholarships and education in South Lake County. pigonthepond.org

Leesburg Center For The Arts

The 40th Leesburg Fine Arts Festival, which is March 11–12, brings nearly 140 artists from around the country to display their pieces in this juried show. Categories include paint, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and mixed media. The center promotes growth and vitality in the community by providing educational opportunities in the arts for all ages. leesburgcenter4arts.com

April

Amazing Race For Charity

Amazing Race for Charity is April 1 in downtown Eustis. The event leads teams of two to various businesses, schools, and churches, to compete in challenges that test their agility and problem-solving skills. Funds raised from the event are dispersed to 12 charities throughout Lake County. amazingraceforcharity.com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY LAKE/SUMTER UNIT

Relay for Life is an 18-hour fundraiser to fight cancer and create awareness of the deadly disease. Participants take turns walking around a track. The 2017 Relay for Life events are in April and May throughout various venues in Lake and Sumter counties. cancer.org

Angel Flight Southeast

New Vision For Independence

Dining in the Dark is April 17 at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. The event gives guests a unique glimpse into the world of blindness as they eat dinner in complete darkness to benefit those with challenges to sight. newvisionfl.org

World Wellness Education

The Taste of Wellness is April 22 at the Wildwood Community Center. More than 50 vendors offer wellness products, healthy food, and introduction to spas. worldwellnesseducation.org

Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation

Leesburg Partnership

The 18th Leesburg Bikefest, set for April 28–30, is a social event for bikers and a chance for the public to see an array of custom motorcycles lining historic downtown Leesburg. The Leesburg Partnership is an association of residents, government, and business persons focused on aiding the physical, economical, and social revitalization of Leesburg. leesburgpartnership.com

May

FLORIDA’S HOMETOWN USA PROGRAM, INC.

Cornerstone Hospice Foundation

The annual Evening Beneath the Stars in South Lake County in March will benefit various Hospice programs and includes a silent and live auction. The foundation provides resources to support care for terminally ill persons and families facing end-of-life issues. cornerstonehospice.org

Forward Paths Foundation

A Bicycle Prom will be in March or April at the Leesburg Armory. Participants will ride bicycles on the local bike trails and enjoy a social event at the Leesburg Armory. forwardpaths.org

The Dr. Norris Pilot Awards Gala for Angel Flight Southeast is April 7-9 at Westgate River Ranch Resort. The weekend-long event includes a silent auction, pilot awards presentation, and dinner, and activities such as mini-golf, bungee jumping, archery, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Funds raised provide free air transportation for children and adults with medical or compelling humanitarian needs. angelflightse.org

LAKE-SUMTER STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

The 32nd annual Gala Auction will be April 15. This exciting event includes live and silent auctions and sit-down dinner. The foundation directly supports assisting the college in fulfilling its mission of excellence in education, service to the community, and financial assistance to qualified students. lssc.edu/foundation

Bras for a Cause and Boxers Too is April 22 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. During this event, participants decorate and model whimsically themed bras and boxers, and then auction them off to support the citizens of South Lake County as they cope with the emotional and financial impacts of cancer. gccf.us

Lovextension

The LovExtension Bowling Extravaganza is April 28 at Break Point Alley in Tavares. In addition to bowling, guests enjoy a silent auction and prize drawings. This is a nonprofit organization that provides social and well-being visits to elderly and disabled people in Lake County and The Villages. ovextension.com

Kaleb Kares

Enjoy a banquet April 29 at Spring Meadows Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Sanford. Attendees participate in a silent auction and have dinner, as well as attend a live musical performance by Laura Story, a contemporary Christian artist. Funds provide memory boxes for mourning parents who have lost a baby. kalebkares.com

The annual Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament is May 6 at Arlington Ridge Golf Course. This program was organized to help children and teens understand the importance of volunteering. www.flhometownusa.com

NEW BEGINNINGS OF LAKE COUNTY, INC.

The South Lake County Dragon Boat Festival is May 6 at Waterfront Park in Clermont. In addition to exciting dragon boat racing, the event features live music, a kid’s zone area, and various vendors. New Beginnings is a faith-based organization in South Lake County that helps homeless men, women, and children recover from unfortunate situations and transition back into the workforce. The race is their fundraiser. newbeginningslake.org

Ruth House

A banquet that includes a silent auction and sit-down dinner is in May at Lake Receptions. The public learns what the program is about, and a graduation ceremony is held for women who complete the year long program. Ruth House is a transitional shelter for women in crisis. ruthhouse.wordpress.com