September / October 2020
Meet Elizabeth Crespo and Raunel Perez
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elias Mahshie President Tommy Williamson Vice-President Stacy Jones Secretary Greg Griner Treasurer Will Sunter Past President VOTING DIRECTORS Jonathan Baker Jeff Cardillo Jay Gordon Paul Lioon Elizabeth Lombardo Roger Miller Pastor Rich Webb Brittney Williamson CEO Mike Mansfield
Ranuel and Elizabeth called Miami home until early 2018 when they moved to Charlotte County. Elizabeth’s grandparents live here and their declining health was putting a lot of pressure on Elizabeth’s mom as their sole care provider. Elizabeth’s mom was battling depression due to caretaker syndrome and chronic fatigue. Elizabeth and Ranuel wanted to be able to help her family, so they left their jobs and came to Punta Gorda. They were able to save enough money to move into a local apartment. Once settled, Elizabeth enrolled in college to follow her dream of becoming a nurse, and in late October Ranuel became employed as a Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity truck driver. When Elizabeth was not studying, she helped care for her grandparents, which alleviated her mom’s stress and allowed her to care for her own needs. Ranuel and Elizabeth were struggling to make ends meet with 46% of his income going to pay their rent. As Ranuel continued to work and he became familiar with the Habitat Homeownership Program, he knew this was the right opportunity for he and Elizabeth. In September, 2019, Ranuel and Elizabeth were approved into the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program. Excited about their new future, Elizabeth quickly began working on their sweat equity requirement. She volunteered in our resale stores where staff, customers and volunteers quickly fell in love with her. Elizabeth’s smile and positive attitude were contagious. On Saturdays Ranuel and Elizabeth worked side-by-side completing their program requirements.
Elizabeth was such a good fit in our resale stores that she became a member of our staff in December, 2019, while continuing her classes. Ranuel and Elizabeth completed their sweat equity and homeowner education classes and are very excited as they wait for their new Habitat home to be completed. Elizabeth said, “This opportunity is the biggest blessing my husband and I have received. We are eternally grateful to Habitat for Humanity and for the help from our community.” Charlotte County Habitat’s fiscal year began July 1st, and Ranuel and Elizabeth are one of 36 families approved in our Homeownership Program. This is more than any other year in our affiliate’s history. The need for affordable housing continues to rise, and we are working diligently to help as many families as possible. We need your help. Please consider making a donation to help with the rising costs of construction materials. We are also in need of volunteers. We implemented safety precautions on our construction sites and limit the number of volunteers at each location. Families like Ranuel and Elizabeth will have a brighter, secure future because of your support. Together, we can build a stronger community one family at a time. To learn more about Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, email gabrielle@charlottecountyhfh.org, call 941-639-3162 or visit our website. God bless you,
www.charlottecountyhfh.org